Student-Teacher Ratios Will ImproveFrom the first day of school on, student-teacher ratios will improve in smaller classes. Patricia Handley has been an elementary school teacher for twenty-eight years. He has had the opportunity to teach both small and large classes. On the first day of teaching his first small class Handley comments, “I immediately noticed their sense of importance; no one seemed lost in the crowd” (2002). In a small class, as students enter, the teacher can take time to greet each one. The teacher will learn the children's names faster. The more quickly the student is called by his name and the more individual attention he receives from the teacher, the more comfortable he will feel expressing himself to the teacher in a learning environment. “In a class of fifteen students, we can learn quickly from each other and do so in greater depth” (Handley, 2002). Every child is an individual. Once a teacher has a chance to get to know students, he or she can work to accommodate the strengths and weaknesses of the learning process. Students will have a more useful learning experience. Many schools across the nation have tried smaller classes. Members of a teaching team at Narcoossee Community School in St. Cloud, Florida, commented that when students return from summer vacation, they are more excited to see everyone and begin the learning process than before the beginning of program (McGoogan, 2001). .Group discussions can be an important part of the school day. In small classes, everyone can have the opportunity to participate. When students are able to speak in class during their elementary years, they will gain confidence. If they become accustomed to contributing to class discussions, they will most likely retain and use it as they progress through high school and college. When students are in a smaller environment, they will get to know each other better, as well as the teacher. When students feel comfortable with the people around them, they will not feel shy or intimidated about raising their hand to answer a question. When students share their ideas and feelings with their peers, they will improve their learning. They will be able to learn from what others say and will become more interested in the topic of discussion if they are involved in some way.