Taking Sides Taking Sides (March 24, 2000)@takesidesq: Do we have enough information to consider a fourth high school? @takesideshead: Smaller high schools equate to greater success for all students

by Jennifer Hosterman

Educational research suggests that smaller high schools equate to greater success for all students.

In her compilation of 103 research papers, education expert Kathleen Cotton reaches a number of conclusions regarding small high schools vs. large: * Academic achievement is often superior; * Student attitudes and social behavior are more positive; * Levels of extracurricular participation are higher; * Student attendance is better; * Students have a greater sense of belonging; and, * Interpersonal relations between and among students, teacher and administrators are more positive.

Cotton found that students from small and large high schools do not differ from one another on college-related variables such as entrance examination scores, acceptance rates, attendance, grade point average and completion. The data in support of small high schools is overwhelming. I haven't found an expert paper which supports large high schools for all students.

There is a misconception that monies for new facilities, teacher salaries and programs come from the same pot. Dr. Buster McCurtain, deputy superintendent of the Pleasanton Unified School District, explained previously (Pleasanton Weekly, 3/1/00) that the cost to operate two comprehensive high schools at 2,500 students each plus Village High School is equivalent to the cost to operate Amador Valley High School at 1,900; Foothill High School at 1,800; and maintain Village High School and a fourth high school as a "stub" school. Also, let's not forget state ADA monies follow each child, equally, to each school. The same number of dollars will be spent given either scenario, which fact should allay teacher fears.

The numbers tell the whole story: Our district's demographer reported on April 13, 1999, that, even if Pleasanton never builds another new home, 4,921 high school students will inhabit Pleasanton schools in the year 2009.

School districts across the country have realized that the post-industrial model of attempting to serve huge throngs of high school kids under the same roof is no longer considered best for all students. Nonetheless, experts point out that a widening gap continues to grow between research and practice. Education expert Devant T. Williams writes that the bulk of professional literature in the past decade indicates education researches support the concept of small school effectiveness.

"The determinates of school size are seldom the result of research...[but rather] other factors - political, economic, social, demographic," writes Williams. He concludes by saying: "We who have become convinced of the superiority of small schools have, as our next challenge, the task of communicating our findings to those who have the power to influence decisions about the size of our schools."

It is clear, given the facts, that a fourth high school is without question a necessity if we are to continue to deliver quality education to all students. It is equally clear that we cannot afford to do otherwise. Jennifer Hosterman is a concerned parent whose children have graduated from or are attending Pleasanton schools. "I haven't found an expert paper which supports large high schools for all students."