Real estate is scarce in urban environments. Cities are so packed with people per square mile that there isn’t always somewhere for them to go. Schools in these inner-city neighborhoods suffer from overcrowding because while the number of students in schools increases every year, the number of schools stays the same. There isn’t any room for new schools, and if there were room, from where would the money to build the schools originate? The impact of overcrowded classrooms, hallways and cafeterias on students is heartbreaking. Some of the issues associated with overcrowding of this degree are detailed below.
- Teachers are unable to control their classrooms. Regardless of how great the students are, having too many of them can be impossible to handle. Bad behavior is like a domino effect. Once one student begins acting out, most of the classroom can turn chaotic in a matter of minutes.
- Well-behaved students are overlooked and thus under-served. Their unruly peers are receiving all the attention. Good students miss out on the education they deserve.
- Students cannot concentrate with so many distractions. Even good students can become distracted when classrooms are overcrowded. There’s just too much going on to focus on a lesson.
- Lunch periods have to be lengthened to accommodate every student, which shortens learning time.
- Hallways are too full, causing conflict. With so many students, it’s hard to keep order. As they inevitably bump into each other in the crowded hallways, fights ensue.
- The number of lockers and school supplies are lacking. If a student doesn’t have a locker or can’t find any paper to finish an activity, how can he further his education? Students need tools to learn, but there aren’t any tools available.