Class Size Reduction Program: Background and Status

Publication Date: January 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Education

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Abstract:

P.L. 107-110 (H.R. 1, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and replaces the federal Class Size Reduction (CSR) program and the Eisenhower Professional Development program with a new formula grant program (FY2002 appropriation of $2.85 billion). The CSR program, initiated by FY1999 appropriations legislation, was last funded in FY2001 ($1.623 billion). FY2002 appropriations legislation does not continue funding for this program. The U.S. Department of Education estimated that 37,000 teachers were hired under the program in its first 2 years. It was first proposed by President Clinton as an effort to hire 100,000 new teachers over a 7-year period and reduce average class size in early grades to 18 students. This report will be updated as events warrant.