Smaller Learning Communities

Persuasive Essay

Smaller Learning Communities

In schools around the country many children are getting a better education. This is because in January of 2002, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This act ensures that Smaller Learning Communities will continue to assist the large public high schools. Today, Smaller Learning Communities will become a very successful program because of teacher to student relationships, student achievement and the programs general funding.

Smaller Learning Communities have been developing teacher advisory systems to make relationships between teachers and students more connected. Smaller schools usually make students feel more at home, safe, and nurtured. Teachers also get to know and support their students because the teacher to student ratio is much smaller.

"School size has positive effects on student outcomes as evidenced by students' attendance rates, frequency of disciplinary actions, school loyalty, use of alcohol or drugs, satisfaction with school and self esteem" (ED. Gov).

Usually in Smaller Learning Communities, student achievement has increased. There are now many more enrollments of poor and minority students. Many feel less alienated and are more cared for.

"Research ultimately confirms what parent intuitively believe: that smaller schools are safer and more productive because students feel less alienated, more nurtured and more connected to caring adults, and teachers feel that they have more opportunity to get to know and support their students" (ED.Gov).

The federal Government is providing 142 million dollars in grant money to assist large high schools in developing or expanding Smaller Learning Communities in their schools. In the years 2000-2001 alone, the Federal Government awarded 139 million dollars or more to 744 schools. This benefited over 13 million students and faculty. This money is all being put to good use, being divided into the planning and implementation phases, in schools of 1000 or more.

These communities have shown vast improvement in academic rates and developing a more personalized high school experience for students. Because of Smaller Learning Communities, students are being provided with a safer and a better learning environment, with teachers who support and care for them. And many Grants have