National Forum Policy Statement
SMALL SCHOOLS AND SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Introduction
Defining Small Learning Communities and Small Schools
Research-Based Benefits
Conclusion
References

DEFINING SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
AND SMALL SCHOOLS

There are many ways to achieve “smallness” at the middle level, including the following:

• Small learning communities in a larger school: Divide a larger school into clusters or houses in which teacher teams create small, personalized learning environments. These interdisciplinary teams share the same group of students, usually no more than 80 students per team. The teams are responsible for their studentsSmall learning communities in a larger school: Divide a larger school into clusters or houses in which teacher teams create small, personalized learning environments. These interdisciplinary teams share the same group of students, usually no more than 80 students per team. The teams are responsible for their students’
• Distinct small schools in one building: Create separate, autonomous, small schools (maximum population of 300 students) within one large building or campus. Each school has its own dedicated administrators, faculty, and students, with a student assignment process that ensures equitable distribution of students by race/ethnicity, SES, language, gender, prior educational achievement, and disability. While each school has its own personalized culture and identity, the principal is ultimately responsible for the entire school. In some cases, these schools-within-schools share a common schedule, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and sports teams, while others are largely autonomous. In all cases, they share common spaces such as the auditorium, cafeteria, library, and gymnasium. As in large schools, distinct small schools that share one facility can create interdisciplinary teams of teachers that share a common set of students to further personalize the learning environment.
• Small, freestanding schools: Create small, freestanding schools (ideally with a maximum population of 400 students) with their own facilities and staff. Small schools may also create inter-disciplinary teams that share a common set of students to further personalize the learning environment. The state of Florida recognizes the benefits of small schools, and in 2000 its legislature passed a statute that prohibits construction of large schools. As of July 2003, new elementary schools will be limited to 500 students, middle schools to 700, and high schools to 900 (New Rules Project, 2003).

When districts have an option, the National Forum recommends, and research supports, creating small schools rather than small learning communities within a larger school.

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