A year-long evaluation of class sizes in New South Wales schools conducted by Charles Sturt University Dean of the Faculty of Education Professor Bob Meyenn was released yesterday by the NSW Minister for Education.

The study found there are significant benefits to smaller class sizes in primary schools.

Professor Meyenn’s study reveals:

• Kindergarten students make a better transition to school if they begin in a class of 20 or less;
• Smaller class sizes allow students to develop better literacy and numeracy faster than peers in larger classes;
• Student behavioural problems and learning difficulties were identified earlier and more easily corrected;
• Student confidence was boosted; and
• Increased teacher morale from teachers in small classes because they were able to spend more time with individual students and use different and more effective teaching methods.