When boards cycle in and out of the school closing mode school sizes are always an issue. How big should an effective school be?
Well, this academically phrased question is actually a political one.
Clearly as small school can be very academically effective with the right staff and proper funding and a large one can do very well for students if it is organized properly.
But economically there is no question. Large schools are more efficient. Consolidated administration and building costs as well as a larger staff complement means the per pupil cost shrink. For students, a large school can offer more options. They can allow some students to blend in and get by in their own way. Larger schools can be rich exciting environments to learn in.
But for parents, students and the community, a smaller school model can be appealing. It means that schools are usually within their communities and easy walking distance. It means that other organizations can use the buildings during after school hours. It means that there is a guaranteed, child friendly open space for their kids to play in. It means that the principal and teachers will know all the students in the school. Small schools are better because they can be nicer than large ones.
Given the two opposing stands, the one you might like usually depends on your political orientation.
People for Education has just come out with a report saying that smaller high schools are better. Good for them. It is good to see them get involved in the debate.
Unfortunately, the Toronto board and the province have pronounced on the issue. the provincial funding formula makes it better for boards to go the large school route. The Ministry is forcing boards to close small schools and sell the land to developers to pay for renovations and repairs. And local boards are completely compliant. Trustees may be elected by the residents but their real boss is the Ministry of Education.
The TDSB wants to change all our schools into elementary K-8s with more than 450 students and secondary 9-12 with over 1,200 students. It’s political and has nothing to do with student’s academic goals and community needs.
No amount of research will prove this question on one size or the other but I come in on the small school size. They are just better for communities.
