Education

School bullying and overcrowded classrooms undermining student learning and safe

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) found through focus group discussions with junior high school students that overcrowded classrooms and a troubling culture of bullying—including physical violence and severe intimidation—create an unsafe learning environment that drives some students to skip school. Students reported that smaller class sizes in the ARAL Summer Program (10 students maximum) compared to regular classes (60 students) significantly improved their sense of safety, focus, and ability to learn effectively.