By Erin Higgins

San Jose Unified School District’s “Schools of Tomorrow” initiative proposes closing up to nine elementary schools that act as community hubs for generations of San Jose residents.

As a district parent, I am following the initiative with concern and frustration. It is framed as a process to create ideal schools to develop “the thinkers, leaders, and creators of tomorrow,” but the link between the proposed school closures and this vision has not been communicated clearly nor substantiated by the district….

…. The district needs to conduct a systematic review of research on school characteristics that impact students’ achievement, well-being, mental health and safety. This synthesis could be used to build a framework that identifies characteristics most likely to lead to improved student outcomes.

For instance, a quick review of research on school size calls into question the district’s preference to consolidate campuses and substantially increase the size of its elementary schools. Researchers have found that smaller elementary school class sizes and overall school sizes were positively correlated with student learning in literacy and mathematics and teachers’ belief in their ability to influence students’ learning outcomes. In a longitudinal study of high schools, researchers at MDRC observed that students enrolled in small schools in New York City experienced higher rates of postsecondary enrollment and degree attainment….

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