1. School Size
The National Association of Elementary School Principals recommends that elementary schools house from 300 to 500 students.
Researchers on school size indicate ideal school sizes for improved safety and violence reduction to be: Elementary: 300-400, Middle: 300-600, High: 400-800 (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2000, p. 4, 40). [Editorial comment: We may not be able to bring down the size of our middle and high schools--but it does seem counter-productive to shut down the only schools in town that fall within the recommended population range.]
“Across the country, school boards have abandoned smaller neighborhood schools in favor of large campuses located on the edge of the community. ….But such sprawling schools are difficult for children to reach on foot or bicycle, increase automobile traffic, and are often too isolated to serve as community centers, and too large for children to feel a sense of belonging. Some school districts have turned away from the trend toward sprawling schools and have discovered that ‘smart growth schools’ bring a range of benefits for the district, the students, and the community.”
Many communities are discovering the benefits of using smart growth principles in creating schools that meet the needs of both parents and students. Smart growth schools:
· involve the community in school facility planning
· make good use of existing resources, such as historic school buildings
· are located within neighborhoods and fit into the scale and design of the neighborhood
· act as a neighborhood anchor and community center
· are usually small in size.
Taken from: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/SchoolsSGSFACTSHEET.doc
2. Classroom Size
The low class sizes and student teacher ratios reported for Valparaiso Community Schools on the state website are achieved by dividing total school population by total number of teachers. This misinterpretation of data allows VCS to claim an average classroom size of 21 students. In reality the Classroom sizes average 28-29 in most VCS elementary schools. The number is only reduced to 21 if the total number of teachers includes both the FROG teachers and the Resource teachers who do not have the students all day – the entire student population is never seen on a daily basis by either of these fine professionals. Most students do not attend Resource classes and FROG students only see that teacher 2-3 times a week!!!
http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corp.cfm?corp=6560&var=ptrat
3. Data on Student Performance at Valparaiso Elementary Schools
Percentage of Fifth Graders Passing Math/LA ISTEPS, ’04-’05 through ’07 – ‘08
Data taken from http://dew4.doe.state.in.us/SCHLSTATS/APRPT/2007/6560.pdf
4. Effects of School Closure on Neighborhoods
Abandoned buildings increase area crime.
Neighborhoods without schools lose property value.
“Data suggests that the absence of a school has an impact which leads to non-entrance of families with school aged children.” Taken from ERIC #: ED190682 Author: Wegmann, Robert G. Title: School Impact on Neighborhood Composition.
“It's difficult to imagine a long-lasting, cohesive neighborhood without a school. In fact, the location of schools often serves to define neighborhoods.” http://www.designcoalition.org/features/schenk/S-A_TND.htm
“..Before you shop for a house in a far-out subdivision, consider a house in a conveniently located walkable neighborhood. “If you live near the heart of things, you’re able to afford the American dream without going broke on transportation costs.” http://www.cnu.org/node/2239