At a time when most American children still can’t read with proficiency by the time they’re in eighth grade, everyone from the Chicago Teachers Union to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is calling for major changes in public schools.

One research-backed fix is keeping the number of children in a classroom low. Trouble is, as education policy scholar Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach explains, it can be much easier to commit to shrinking class sizes than to pay for it.

Also this week, we liked articles about the real advantage for teams playing at home, the AC versus DC electricity wars and living life on permanent daylight savings time.

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Chicago’s teachers say they are seeking a better deal for their students too. AP Photo/Teresa Crawford

How much of a difference does the number of kids in a classroom make?

Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, Northwestern University

Research suggests that kids benefit when there are fewer of them in a classroom. But quickly reducing class size can cause new problems as schools scramble to hire new teachers.

The Washington Nationals celebrate their World Series win in front of fans of the Houston Astros. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

What really causes home field advantage – and why it’s on the decline

Konstantinos Pelechrinis, University of Pittsburgh

A data scholar explains why playing at home doesn't provide the boost that it once did.

Never “spring forward” or “fall back” again. Pair Srinrat/Shutterstock.com

5 ways life would be better if it were always daylight saving time

Steve Calandrillo, University of Washington

Washington, California and Florida are mulling a permanent switch to DST. Proponents say that doing so could improve health, save energy and prevent crime.

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