A case study of class size and student success in three southern Wisconsin high schools

Class size and student success has been studied for decades. As schools trim budgets to meet state guidelines how will this affect student success at the high school level? The researcher measured student success by examining tenth grade Wisconsin Knowledge and Concept Exam (WKCE) scores, graduation rates, and in depth interview of scheduling supervisors. The researcher examined three southern Wisconsin high schools with populations greater than one thousand with similar demographics, diversity, and economics. The mixed method study concluded class size impacted student success at the high school level. The scheduling supervisors interviewed believed smaller class sizes positively impact student success. Data retrieved from the Wisconsin's Information Network for Successful Schools supported the scheduling supervisors beliefs, but with less conviction.