5 Cities meeting moderator Nancy Larson urged all interested community leaders and residents to read these publications, which highlight current research and findings on successful small schools.

Two publications available for download

1. Dollars & Sense: The Cost Effectiveness of Small Schools

Dollars & Sense summarizes research on the educational and social benefits of small schools and the negative effects of large schools on students, teachers, and members of the community, as well as the "diseconomies of scale" inherent in large schools. In addition, Dollars & Sense answers two fundamental questions: can small schools be built cost effectively, and has anyone done so? Using data drawn from 489 schools submitted to design competitions in 1990-2001, Dollars and Sense answers both questions with a resounding yes, demonstrating that small schools are not prohibitively expensive. Investing tax dollars in small schools does make sense.

2. Dollars & Sense II

Dollars & Sense II proves that good small schools are being built and operated cost-effectively, and lays out practical strategies for cost-effectiveness that have been field-tested by schools and reports analysis of data from over 3,000 school construction projects.

Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs- Center for School Change

Smaller, Safer, Saner Successful Schools

The federally-funded report Smaller, Safer, Saner Successful Schools shows how urban, suburban and rural communities have modified existing buildings or constructed new elementary, middle and high school public buildings to help increase student achievement and safety. The report was written by Dr. Joe Nathan, who directs the Center for School Change, and Karen Febey, a Humphrey Institute graduate student. The report offers twenty-two case studies illustrated by dozens of color pictures, and a summary of research showing how shared facilities and small schools have increased achievement and safety, while developing stronger community support and involvement in the schools. The case studies describe how schools have used small size or shared facilities (or both) to dramatically improve achievement, attendance and behavior.