How is a multi-age classroom model
better for students? - The multi-age structure
offers a two-year relationship with teacher(s).
- There are fewer
transitions grade to grade.
- Teachers gain a better
background on students’ needs and learning styles.
- There is less “down
time” at the beginning of the school year, teachers already know half of their
student population.
- Multi-age classrooms
allow for more manageable and consistent class sizes across the school and less
teacher re-assignments.
Will teachers really know the grade
expectations (GEs) for both grades? How
will they cover it all? - The GE’s are not
exclusive from each other but build gradually each year. Addressing the GEs over two years allows time
for deeper understanding and development of the content.
- All essential skills
will be covered for each grade level.
How will placement work next year? - The placement process
will remain the same as last year.
Will my child be academically
challenged with a wider age span in the classroom? - The issue is not so
much which grade levels are in a class, but instead, what is the teachers’
program and philosophy.
- Differentiated
Instruction directly addresses looking at the needs of all children.
- Time is provided each
day to pursue learning at students’ own level and pace.
- A wider age span
offers more opportunities for students to work with their academic and social
peers.
- Because multi-age
classrooms are collaborative in nature, students have an opportunity work in
flexible groups.
- Teachers working in
teams will have more opportunities to share their expertise to strengthen their
program as well as differentiate to meet the needs of all their students.
How will the teams look at different
grade levels? - Teams will look
different based on age appropriateness. All
levels will offer a two-year relationship with teachers with fewer grade to grade
transitions.
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