Does Class Size in First Grade Relate to Children's Academic and Social Performance or Observed Classroom Processes?

• Published in: Developmental psychology Vol. 40; no. 5; pp. 651 - 663
• Main Authors: Allhusen, Virginia, Belsky, Jay, Booth-LaForce, Cathryn L, Bradley, Robert, Brownwell, Celia A, Burchinal, Margaret, Campbell, Susan B, Clarke-Stewart, K. Alison, Cox, Martha, Friedman, Sarah L, Hirsh-Pasek, Kathryn, Houts, Renate M, Huston, Aletha, Jaeger, Elizabeth, Johnson, Deborah J, Kelly, Jean F, Knoke, Bonnie, Marshall, Nancy, McCartney, Kathleen, Morrison, Frederick J, O'Brien, Marion, Tresch Owen, Margaret, Payne, Chris, Phillips, Deborah, Pianta, Robert, Randolph, Suzanne M, Robeson, Wendy W, Spieker, Susan, Lowe Vandell, Deborah, Weinraub, Marsha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Psychological Association 01.09.2004
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Child; Child, Preschool; Class Size; Classroom Observation Techniques; Crowding - psychology; Educational Quality; Educational Status; Family Income; Female; Grade 1; Group Activities; Humans; Internal-External Control; Literacy; Male; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Personality Assessment; Social Behavior; Social Environment; Socialization; Socioeconomic Factors; Teacher Student Relationship; Teaching; Teaching Methods; United States; United States
• ISSN: 0012-1649; 1939-0599
• DOI: 10.1037/0012-1649.40.5.651

This study evaluated the extent to which first-grade class size predicted child outcomes and observed classroom processes for 651 children (in separate classrooms). Analyses examined observed child-adult ratios and teacher-reported class sizes. Smaller classrooms showed higher quality instructional and emotional support, although children were somewhat less likely to be engaged. Teachers in smaller classes rated typical children in those classes as more socially skilled and as showing less externalizing behavior and reported more closeness toward them. Children in smaller classes performed better on literacy skills. Larger classrooms showed more group activities directed by the teacher, teachers and children interacted more often, and children were more often engaged. Lower class sizes were not of more benefit (or harm) as a function of the child's family income. First-grade class size in the range typical of present-day classrooms in the United States predicts classroom social and instructional processes as well as relative changes in social and literacy outcomes from kindergarten to first grade.