Class size and teacher effects on non-cognitive outcomes in grades K-3: a fixed effects analysis of ECLS-K:2011 data

Abstract

This study examines the association between class size, teacher characteristics and five non-cognitive student outcomes (i.e., self-control, interpersonal skills, approaches to learning, externalizing and internalizing problem behaviors) in grades K-3. Individual fixed-effects, that control for observed and unobserved time-invariant factors, including student and school time-constant variables, are employed to analyze national data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–11 (ECLS-K:2011). Results suggest a significant linear association between reducing class size and interpersonal skills. Teacher experience is saliently, positively and significantly related with student self-control, interpersonal skills, and approaches to learning, and negatively associated with externalizing problem behaviors. Teacher education and certification were not associated with any of the five non-cognitive outcomes. Changing schools had a negative effect on student’s self-control.