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NEA Communications 202 822-7200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 1999

News Release

NEA President Hails Newest STAR Class Size Research; Calls For Full Federal Funding For 100,000 New Teachers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Bob Chase, president of the 2.4 million-member National Education Association (NEA), today issued the following statement in response to the latest Project STAR class size research:

"The STAR researchers have now proven beyond doubt that an investment in small class sizes in grades K-3 pays dividends throughout a student's academic career. Higher achievement, lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates, and more interest in higher education all spell success for STAR's students.

"It's now clear that the best choice we can make for America's public school students is to reduce class sizes in the early grades, where the foundation for life-long learning is built.

"Accordingly, NEA is urging Congress to follow through on its initial commitment to reducing class sizes in America's schools by providing full funding for 100,000 new teachers in the federal budget.

"The new research from STAR proves that this investment in our children will pay for itself many times over. They will be better-educated and more of them will pursue higher education. Let's put this research into practice right away."