11/1/06
Big value from small schools
by Joe Nathan
Last week, in the huge city of Chicago, educators gathered to discuss the values and value of small public schools, like those found in many rural Minnesota communities. People from all over the U.S., and a few from Great Britain, generally agreed that smaller schools work better for many youngsters.
Convened by the Chicago-based Spencer Foundation, educators and philosophers considered the connection between values and evidence in education. As Michael McPherson, Spencer Foundation president pointed out, “we need much more discussion of the connections between these two.” I agree.
Millions of dollars from the U.S. Department of Education and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have and are being given out to help growing numbers of urban and suburban students attend small schools, or small schools within schools. Why?
Studies in Georgia, Ohio, Montana and Texas found that attending smaller schools helped reduce the impact of poverty. A federally funded review of research by Professor Mary Anne Raywid found several years ago, the value of small schools in increasing achievement, graduation rates, student, parent and family satisfaction and improving student behavior has been “confirmed with a clarity and a level of confidence rare in the annals of education research.”
Offering a vast array of courses does not mean that most students are well prepared for college. And small schools are not necessarily more expensive than large schools, especially when graduation rates are included. That’s because when similar students - rural, urban or suburban are compared, graduation rates are higher in smaller high schools. Professor Anthony Bryk of the University of Chicago has found a “dis-economy of scale” in many large schools. And Cincinnati’s KnowledgeWorks Foundation in Cincinnati concluded that rural consolidations can end up costing more money than they save.
Over the last several years, Congress has allocated millions of dollars to help create new small schools, and small schools within large buildings. That’s in part because students are safer in smaller schools.
This does NOT mean that all small schools are great, and that all big schools are bad. Professor John Goodlad wrote, “It is not impossible to have a good large school; it is simply more difficult.”
Unquestionably teachers have a huge impact. Many at last week’s conference stressed the importance of respecting and honoring excellence teachers, and using them to help other teachers improve their skills.
This year, the Center for School Change, where I work, is looking carefully at some of Minnesota’s best small schools. We’re defining ‘best” as schools that have a low percentage of graduates who take remedial courses on entering Minnesota public college and universities. Naturally I’ll be sharing the results.
Americans often love big - whether it is in malls, movies or sports stadiums. Last week’s conference encouraged us to use values and evidence as try to improve schools. As Joseph Kahne, Dean of the Mills College School of Education reminded us, “the way things are is not the way they always were, nor the ways they must be.”
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota jnathan@hhh.umn.edu
ABOUT JOE NATHAN
Joe Nathan, a senior fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, directs the Center for School Change, which seeks to help transform public education and to produce significant improvements in student achievement. Nathan has been a public school teacher and administrator and coordinated the National Governors Association education reform project, Time for Results. His most recent work involves strengthening rural communities to help increase student achievement and reduce violence. His specialty areas include parent and community involvement, school choice, charter schools, and youth community service.
Nathan has testified before twenty state legislatures and the U.S. Congress. He regularly publishes commentaries in major U.S. newspapers and has appeared on several hundred radio and television programs. The American School Boards Journal named his most recent book, Charter Schools: Creating Hope and Opportunity for American Education, one of the seven best books written about education in 1997. Nathan holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Minnesota. He can be reached at jnathan@hhh.umn.edu.
Archive of Columns
Big value from small schools -(11/1/06)
Stop a silly argument: learn from success -(10/25/06)
Guidelines, laws must be followed when discussing controversial issues to school students -(10/18/06)
Questioning education, ìresearchî -(10/17/06)
We need better role models for young men -(10/5/06)
We need better role models for young men -(10/2/06)
95,000 participants in stateís academic and artistic competitions deserve more recognition -(9/28/06)
Parental involvement at teacher conferences is good thing -(9/22/06)
Approach the new school year with caution and challenge -(9/6/06)
Can public schools reduce achievement gaps? -(7/7/06)
July 4 in Japan -(7/6/06)
College students offer pragmatic, practical advice -(6/13/06)
Happy 15th birthday, charter public schools -(6/7/06)
Connecting dots and questioning test numbers -(5/31/06)
Being clear about where schools are heading -(5/18/06)
How a school saved a student -(5/9/06)
Great conclusion for high school seniors -(5/8/06)
Heat over school taxes -(4/26/06)
A day on the river -(4/18/06)
Telling the truth about early childhood programs -(4/14/06)
Dealing with frustrating machines -(4/6/06)
Moments that change our lives -(3/30/06)
Consider latest standardized test scandal before allocating more money for testing -(3/23/06)
A humble background didnít stop Randy Gaschler -(3/17/06)
Pawlenty starts vital debate on education -(3/16/06)
Possible lessons from an inner city high school -(2/28/06)
Mastering math makes dollars and sense -(2/22/06)
Better/fairer ways to challenge high school students -(2/7/06)
How do you select a school for your youngster? -(2/2/06)
A refreshing teacher union leader -(1/17/06)
Cooperation and sharing of ideas benefits Minnesota's students -(1/9/06)
State keeps promise to students and schools -(1/6/06)
What cats give us -(12/7/05)
Rosa Parks and Us -(11/9/05)
All-day, every-day kindergarten has significant benefits for all kinds of youngsters -(11/1/05)
Questions about judging schools -(10/19/05)
Your family in the headlines? Please be prepared! -(10/11/05)
Q Comp means teachers are being rewarded for progress -(10/6/05)
More students than ever are flocking to charter public schools -(9/29/05)
In college prep, some small rural high schools do much better than large suburbs -(9/13/05)
Some people complain, others communicate and collaborate -(8/29/05)
Live each day to the fullest and recognize value of life -(6/24/05)
Letters to teachers from students are priceless -(6/15/05)
Being thoughtful, caring and considerate makes a difference -(6/8/05)
New research shows stunning findings about pre-school programs -(6/2/05)
Post Secondary Options open communication between high schools and colleges/universities -(5/27/05)
Post-Secondary Options program very well received in Minnesota -(5/17/05)
Student essays reveal why enrollments increase at state charter schools -(5/11/05)
Distance learning is a new game in town in Minnesota -(5/4/05)
Young woman overcomes traditional expectations -(4/26/05)
Too bad, April 15 can't be a double date, one for taxes and another to finalize education funding -(4/19/05)
There's ways to prepare students for college -(4/5/05)
Students should focus, set goals and understand these are vital habits -(3/22/05)
Minnesota charter public school enrollment sees dramatic increase -(3/15/05)
Direct answers given to questions on education -(3/8/05)
Communication is important to many -(3/3/05)
Educators and journalists nead a clearer understanding of one another -(2/15/05)
Ask questions before making decision on educational voucher proposal -(2/8/05)
History has an impact on what is happening today -(2/1/05)
Money is not the only factor in producing effective schools -(1/12/05)
Who was your favorite teacher? -(12/21/04)
Minnesota schools: far better than many others -(12/3/04)
Public schools can provide excellence -(11/26/04)
Computers are wonderful when they're working; people working together may be more important -(11/23/04)
Minnesota might want to be the first state to guarantee all youngsters 14 years of free education -(11/23/04)
Wise Minnesota legislators will find ways to help schools with both money, medical care -(11/10/04)
After the election, there will be peace in our streets, neighborhoods and stores -(11/10/04)
Major corporation, Cargill, recognizes excellence in education -(10/26/04)
Teacher evaluation and pay must be re-thought -(10/26/04)
Accomplishments of high school students need to be promoted by signs around the community -(10/13/04)
Review needed beyond the rhetoric for early education programs in Minnesota -(10/6/04)
West Clermont in Cincinnati converts 2 large high schools into 10 small schools of choice -(10/6/04)
Woodbury Math and Science Academy has intriguing lessons for schools around the state -(9/24/04)
Wise educators should welcome competition; freedom of choice makes better students -(9/10/04)
Television can do better at covering schools -(9/3/04)
New state report cards on schools' performance should be only part of the way we judge schools - Posted Online 8/31/04
Don't ignore or obsess. That's how parents and educators should react to the new Minnesota state ratings of each public school. Despite denials from some educators, the new ratings contain important information. Go to story
There's a need for youngsters to make good use of extra time in summer - Posted Online 7/2/04
Last week Minnesota school principals offered wise advice, both expected and unexpected, to families. Go to story
Youngsters and their families should prepare brief annual report on last year of education happenings - Posted Online 7/2/04
What did you and your kids learn this year? How are you noting and recording the major accomplishments of this (school) year? These are questions I'd strongly encourage families to consider before getting too far into the rapidly approaching summer vacation. Go to story
Statewide discussion needed on what to expect from Minnesota's Commissioner of Education - Posted Online 5/21/04
Where to, what next for Minnesota education? That's what people are asking since the Senate rejected the Governor's nominee for Commissioner of Education, Cheri Pierson Yecke. Go to story
Expanding educational opportunities is good news - Posted Online 5/5/04
Encouraging and frustrating. Those are two words about the charter school movement that I hope to hear from US Senators, when I testify (at their request) next week in Washington D.C. Go to story
Changes should be made in schools to increase the number of successful students - Posted Online 5/5/04
How do you feel about the fact that the tragedy at Columbine – which happened five years ago this month, not only COULD be repeated in Minnesota, but also HAS? The death of a student at Cold Spring shows the importance - I'd say the NECESSITY - of arranging secondary schools so that each student is known very well by at least one adult. Go to story
We've become a much different country since the monumental Brown Supreme Court decision -Posted Online 5/5/04
This spring marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Brown versus Board of Education. Go to story
Post secondary education definitely helps young people find a better job - Posted Online 4/12/04
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What is a man? - Posted Online 4/2/04
We're entering a month where both Christians, via Easter, and Jews, with Passover, celebrate hope, possibility and faith. In that spirit, I'd like to share a story of rebirth of David Hams. Go to story
Consider adopting schools in Iraq - Posted Online 4/2/04
We're entering a month where both Christians, via Easter, and Jews, with Passover, celebrate hope, possibility and faith. In that spirit, I'd like to ask a few questions about Iraq, and American teenagers. Go to story
Coverage of high school activities definitely out of balance with sports getting more of a share - Posted Online 4/2/04
The newspaper's huge picture and tiny story told volumes about the mixed messages we give young people. Go to story
Will Minnesota and nation's reaction to No Child Left Behind law mirror reaction to Profile of Learning? - Posted Online 4/2/04
Will Minnesota, and the nation's reaction to the federal No Child Left Behind law (NCLB) repeat the Profile of Learning pattern? A teacher asked this intriguing question last week. Already, there are similarities between opposition to the Profile and NCLB. Go to story
Minnesota spends millions of dollars on early childhood programs; find out what they actually produce - Posted Online 3/9/04
Some claims being made for early childhood education don't stand up to careful scrutiny. So when you hear some advocates insisting it's a great investment, be cautious. Go to story
Being creative and constructive will always result in better services for people in our communities - Posted Online 3/9/04
Cut or create? That's a question more school boards, city councils and county boards must ask in the next year. Go to story
Developments in Minneapolis schools hold important lessons for school districts all over the state - Posted Online 3/9/04
Tragic developments in Minneapolis hold important lessons for school districts all over the state. Go to story
Fleeing from city to the suburbs doesn't always guarantee a safer environment for kids - Posted Online 3/9/04
“We were so naïve about the suburbs.” That's where the teary-eyed mother started last week, after I spoke to and with a community group in one of St. Paul's affluent suburbs. “We thought our children would be much safer from violence and drugs. But that's not what happened.” Go to story
Tell your children that freedom is so precious - Posted Online 2/9/04
“Do you know how rare and wonderful your country is?” Go to story
Eighth graders who take important tests should understand them and think beyond them - Posted Online 2/9/04
I think of several youngsters, like Walter, Suzanne, John and Ningh, who I'm tutoring, when I think about the big tests coming this week. Go to storyAcosta Thompson encourages teachers to look at strengths and assets of students, not just deficits - Posted Online 2/9/04
Emily Acosta Thompson, principal at Zanewood Elementary School in Osseo, represents, according to former Minnesota and U.S Superintendent of the Year Don Draayer, a “forerunner of what America – indeed the world – will become in the generations ahead.” Go to story
In education, families are partners - Posted Online 1/23/04
Although we're entering the season when families choose a school for their youngsters, it would be a big mistake for educators to view families mostly as their customers. Go to story
Multiple grades appropriate for Gov. Pawlenty's new education proposals; B for bold, I for incomplete - Posted Online 1/12/04
Give Governor Tim Pawlenty's education proposals a “B” for bold, and an “I” for incomplete. Go to story
Latest draft of Minnesota's proposed state social studies standards promotes passive citizenship - Posted Online 1/5/04
How ironic! The latest draft of Minnesota's proposed state social studies standards was produced after intense, lively, difficult debate and confrontation. Go to storyDollars and standards will be 2 issues that will dominate discussions about public schools in 2004 - Posted Online 1/5/04
Dollars and standards. Those two issues dominated discussions about public schools this year. And as we head into an election year, you'll hear a lot more about both issues. Go to storyOne motorist was wreckless, the other showed some kindness - Posted Online 1/5/04
Last week a motorist almost killed me as I crossed the street. Another, in a separate incident, came to my rescue. I've been thinking a good deal about these two people as our family begins to celebrate holidays and anticipates a new year. Go to storyStudents are better off when listening to differing views on controversial subjects - Posted Online 12/15/03
Do you agree with a Michigan judge or a Michigan high school principal in a recent case involving a student’s free speech rights? Go to story
Social studies standards can help develop knowledgeable, thoughtful citizens - Posted Online 12/15/03
We're getting some ridiculous rhetoric about the first draft of Minnesota's new statewide social studies standards. Go to story
NCAA is finally giving strong students, open-minded educators the credit they deserve - Posted Online 12/15/03
Score a small but significant victory for Minnesota students and educators, thanks to Commissioner Cheri Pierson Yecke. Go to story
Reading to children brings its many rewards - Posted Online 12/15/03
When you give, you often get a lot more back. That’s what happened recently while I was tutoring four inner city six-year-olds. Go to story
Growing numbers of suburban parents are sending children to charter public schools in Minnesota - Posted Online 12/15/03
Why are growing numbers of suburban parents, in communities like Anoka, Chaska, Coon Rapids, Roseville, Brooklyn Center, Blaine, Forest Lake and Little Canada sending their children to charter public schools? Go to story
Youngsters from challenging backgrounds can do well in school, too, with strong teaching - Posted Online 11/7/03
Perhaps we should have a different, easier driver’s license test, or a different law exam, or just generally lower expectations for students who don’t speak English. That’s the idea - a really bad idea if you ask me - that a suburban principal recently proposed in a Twin Cities area newspaper column. Go to story
Friends, books help us make decisions - Posted Online 11/7/03
What helped you do something important, but hard? Perhaps, like me, it was a friend who encouraged to overcome my fears, and call a woman I liked, who later became my wife. Go to story
Getting kids into post-secondary institutions is good for all of us - Posted Online 11/7/03
Minnesota's Post Secondary Option and charter school movement received a great deal of praise last week at a national conference in Washington DC. Go to story
Teachers must believe they can influence lives - Posted Online 10/22/03
Dr. Lawrence Hernandez has lived the American dream. So it may be useful to think about some of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s education proposals in light of what Dr. Hernandez has accomplished. Go to story
Money does help to improve schools but utilizing present strengths will also lead to success - Posted Online 10/13/03
Have some educators succeeded in a way that’s backfiring on them? Go to story
Minneapolis School Board decision on hiring new superintendent seems to be flawed - Posted Online 10/6/03
Do as I say - not as I do. That’s the cynical message that adults sometimes give young people. Go to story
Minneapolis School Board decisions affect all Minnesotans who pay taxes of care about education - Posted Online 9/29/03
The Minneapolis School Board is on the verge of making a huge mistake. Go to story
Encourage your children, grandchildren to read - Posted Online 9/22/03
Do your children or grand-children see you reading? Do you occasionally ask them to tell you about something they’re reading? Go to story
What is the Hanseatic League? - Posted Online 9/17/03
When was the last time you thought about the Hanseatic League, or Vvon Thunen’s models of spatial interactions? Go to story
Adele Faber's books are worth reading - Posted Online 9/17/03
Being a parent or teacher has great rewards - but it also can be very challenging. Go to story
Effective schools are that way because of openness and cooperation Posted Online 8/29/03
Real openness and cooperation, not just the all too common rhetoric, are vital for effective schools. Go to story
New national survey shows intriguing results about use of alcohol, drugs Posted Online 8/29/03
Teenagers who attend large secondary schools (over 800 students) are about twice as likely to abuse drugs as those attending smaller schools. Go to story
Bobb Wold works diligently to help kids in inner city -- Posted Online 8/29/03
Sometimes people wonder what schools can do with inner city youth in troubled neighborhoods. Go to story
Teens definitely can impact history - Posted Online 7/31/03
Are you familiar with accomplishments of teenagers like Claudette Colvin, John and Mary Beth Tinker, Kid Blank, Jessica Govea, Joe Nuxhall, Anna Meyer and Deborah Sampson? Go To Editorial
Minnesota census figures show significant changes in ethnic group makeup - Posted Online 7/28/03
What group of Minnesotans increased in number by 83% over the last decade? Go To Editorial
Using the Internet can have education benefits - Posted Online 7/17/03
Looking for something fun to do with your kids - or grand kids this summer? How about finding some other youngsters around the country or world to talk with? Go To Editorial
What does it mean to be on No Child Left Behind testing list?- Posted Online 7/11/03
What does it mean that several Anoka County alternative schools were on Minnesota's preliminary list of "schools needing improvement?" Seems to be this should be a cause for conversation, but not for any final conclusions. Go To Editorial
Many high achievers have had to overcome learning disabilities -- Posted Online 7/2/03
What do the following people have in common: actress Whoopi Goldberg, Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner, the entertainer Cher, former New Jersey governor Tom Kean, Hewlett Packard co-founder Bill Hewlett, Scott Adams, creator of the popular "Dilbert" cartoon and Tom Watson, former CEO of IBM? Go To Editorial
What do teachers do? -- Posted Online 6/12/03
A friend wrote this week with one of the finest tributes to teachers I've ever read. Go To Editorial
Legislative action means changes coming for high school graduation requirements -- Posted Online 6/12/03
If Minnesota does this right, we'll save time and money, plus have better coordination between high schools and colleges. Go To Editorial
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