Research to support SLC implementation (from DOE website):

Approximately 70% of American high school students attend schools enrolling more than 1,000 or more students; nearly 50% of high school students attend schools enrolling more than 1,500 students.

Research suggests that:

Smaller learning environments are a condition for boosting student achievement (Williams, 1990)

School size has positive effects on student outcomes as evidenced by students' attendance rates, frequency of disciplinary actions, school loyalty, use of alcohol or drugs, satisfaction with school and self-esteem (Raywid (1995) and Klonsky (1995).

An effective size for secondary schools is in the range of 400-800 students (Williams, 1990). Enrollment size has a stronger effect on learning in schools with large concentrations of poor and minority children (Cotton, 1996).

Research ultimately confirms what parents intuitively believe: that smaller schools are safer and more productive because students feel less alienated, more nurtured and more connected to caring adults, and teachers feel that they have more opportunity to get to know and support their students (Fowler & Walberg, 1991; Gregory, 1992; Stockard & Mayberry, 1992).

The Empirical Record

Studies indicate that the size of the learning environment has an indirect affect on student learning (Klonsky, 1998). Essentially, size creates conditions for success, especially when high expectations and standards exist. Further, when the size of the learning environment is reduced, the benefits become apparent very quickly, within a year or two. As a result:

• Students experience a greater sense of belonging and are more satisfied with their schools (Cotton,
  1996).
• Fewer discipline problems occur (Raywid, 2000).
• Crime, violence and gang participation decrease (Cushman, 1997).
• Incidences of alcohol and tobacco abuse decrease (Klonsky, 1998).
• Dropout rates decrease and graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment rates increase (Funk and Bailey, 1999).
• Student attendance increases (Klonsky, 1998).

Additional Information
School Size. Research and evaluation, noteworthy practices, and additional links regarding the issue of school size.