An independent evaluation of the educational benefits of the Class Size Reduction Program was conducted by Professor Bob Meyenn from Charles Sturt University. Professor Meyenn's evaluation process included surveys and interviews of parents, teachers and principals as well as analysis of student outcome data. Provided on this page are the interim and final evaluation reports.
Overwhelmingly the judgement of parents, principals and teachers has been that the impact of the Class Size Reduction Program has been positive.
Comments from principals, teachers and parents stated that the program resulted in:
- the provision of more personalised attention and teaching
- an increase in teacher morale
- a reduction in classroom management problems
- better teacher student relationships
- increased frequency and effectiveness of behaviour management
- more literacy and numeracy instruction
- more group work.
Students who have been given the best start to their schooling are likely to benefit from such investment in terms of their individual development and their contributions to the economy and society as a whole. These longer term benefits, together with the very high levels of satisfaction of those teachers, principals and parents most closely associated with reduced class sizes, indicate that the Class Size Reduction Program has been a welcome and worthwhile intervention for the early years of schooling in NSW.
