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Why Small High Schools Are Best

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Why Small High Schools Are Best
Catastrophic Consolidation
Luke Leonard
English 201
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Abstract My topic of research is high school consolidation. There is a lot of pressure on small schools, from governmental bodies and other influences, to consolidate into larger schools. In my paper I discuss the downfalls of consolidation, and talk about many benefits that small schools offer. Small schools average better test scores, a lower dropout rate, and a higher rate of extra-curricular activity participation. Studies also show that students who participate in extra-curricular activities become more successful academically and socially. Also, it’s been reported that large schools have a higher rate of violence and crime, and many studies propose that the ideal school size is under 400 students. Another downfall of high school consolidation is the fact that when high schools consolidate communities that no longer have schools tend to die off. Some large school advocates claim that small schools should consolidate for monetary reasons, but due to all the benefits that small schools offer, I disagree. There are many areas of the U.S. government spending that could easily be cut to make room for an increase in education spending. Military and defense spending is particularly high, and could easily spare some cuts. Another claim made by consolidation advocates is that a small drop in test scores is not enough incentive to pay for small schools to continue. To the possible surprise of such advocates, the United States is ranked between 14th and 25th worldwide in education , and cannot afford any more declines in its education system. Lastly, it’s clear to even those who pressure for consolidation that small schools offer better learning environments. While pushing for consolidation, the Illinois state government also helps fund a project to break up large inner-city schools in order to increase learning. It’s clear to all involved that small schools are more



References: Johnson, J. (2010, December 8). International Education Rankings Suggest Reform Can Lift U.S. | ED.gov Blog. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://www.ed.gov/blog/2010/12/international-education-rankings-suggest-reform-can-lift-u-s/ Covay, E., & Carbonaro, W. (2010). After the Bell: Participation in Extracurricular Activities, Classroom Behavior, and Academic Achievement. Sociology Of Education, 83(1), 20-45. doi:10.1177/0038040709356565 Lafferty, S. (2011, February 25). – Official’s question Quinn’s school consolidation plan. The SouthtownStar. Retrieved January 30, 2012, from http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/3976119-418/squeezing-schools.html McRobbie, J., & Villegas, M. (n.d.). School Size Consideration for Safety and Learning. wested. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from www.wested.org/online_pubs/po-01-03.pdf Olson, L. (2010). Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Spending Request: Briefing Book. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, 1,4 Sell, R., Leistritz, L., & Thompson, J. (1996). Socio-Economic Impact of School Consolidation on Host and Vacated Communities. Agricultural Economics Report, 347, 2-18. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED423100 SEMEL, S. F., & SADOVNIK, A. R. (2008). The Contemporary Small-School Movement: Lessons from the History of Progressive Education. Teachers College Record, 110(9), 1744-1771. Stevens, N., & Peltier, G. (1994). A Review of Research on Small School Student Participation in Extra Curricular Activities. Journal of Research in Rural Education, 10(2), 116-120. The Federal Role in Education. (2012, February 12). ED.gov. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fed/role.html Weiss, C. C., Carolan, B. V., & Baker-Smith, E. (2010). Big School, Small School: (Re)Testing Assumptions about High School Size, School Engagement and Mathematics Achievement. Journal Of Youth & Adolescence, 39(2), 163-176. doi:10.1007/s10964-009-9402-3

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