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Classroom Configuration Information |
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What grades will loop? The potential exists for any two grades to loop. The actual number of classes and grades at will be determined once parent requests are known. What is the curriculum? Since all students in a looping class are the same age/grade, the curriculum will be the same as in single age/grade classes. Will the whole school loop? No, some classes will loop, others will be combination classes, multiage classes, and some classes will remain single age/grade as they are currently. What about acts of God, i.e. teacher transfer, pregnancy, student transfer? The potential here is no different than in a single age/grade class. While it is unfortunate when a teacher or student has to leave, it does happen. Every effort will be made to make the transition a smooth one. Does my child have to stay for two years? While it is hoped that your child will want to stay for two years, the option to move to another class will be offered to students and parents at the end of the first year. Is there more money for the school if we do this? No, there is the same amount of money per student regardless of class placement and school/classroom structure. Is there research to support the concept? There is research to support the concept. Attleboro, MA School District has noted academic growth commensurate with single age/grade classes and also the following non-academic benefits:
Pros & Cons of LOOPING What is it? · Students are all same age/grade · Child stays with the same teacher for more than one grade · Students (class) and teacher move together to next grade · Teacher moves to next grade with class, then following year moves back a grade and gets new class
What grades will be combined for multiage classes? The potential exists for any two or three grades to be combined for multiage classes EXCEPT for 3-4 (this is due to class size reduction and the limit of 20 to a class). How will the teacher teach two curriculums? The teacher will not teach two curriculums but rather one integrated thematic curriculum. Two or three themes per year will be identified and individual units will support these themes. Students will be involved in research projects based on their questions about the theme, read and listen to books that showcase the theme, participate in math lessons that involve multiple operations and problem-solving skills, take part in reading and writing activities that are theme-related, and study science and social studies units that center on the theme. Students will work in learning centers and small groups either individually, collaboratively or with the teacher at their own level. Groups within the classroom will be flexible. In other words, a student may be working with one group for reading instruction and another for math, just as is done in single age/grade classes. The only difference is that in a multiage class students are different ages. In all classes students are getting the instruction they need at their own individual level. How do you determine if students pass or fail? Standardized tests, portfolios, teacher made tests, and performance activities will be used to evaluate student progress. Pre-testing is done regularly to assess student needs and to determine appropriate instruction. Post-testing is done to assess student achievement and evaluate any need for additional instruction. In addition, the Poway District has set academic standards for the knowledge and skills that students should develop and acquire at each grade level. In comparing these across grade levels, there is much overlap and many of the skills are revisited again and again with the students becoming more expert as they grow. These academic standards will be used as benchmarks for student progress. As is done in single age/grade classes, parents will receive report cards showing student progress. What size are the classes? Multiage class size will not differ from class size in single age/grade. Classes in grades K-3 are required by law to have no more that 20 students. Classes in grades 4-5 will ideally have 30 students or less, however this may vary slightly based on enrollment. Will classes be balanced academically? Like single age/grade classes, multiage classes will be carefully selected and balanced. Every effort will be made to have an equal number of boys and girls and an equal number of students from each grade level. The classes will reflect the cultural mix of the community. Most importantly, all ability levels will be represented. There will be a balance of students of lower ability and higher ability. The goal is a mixture of students in a heterogeneous setting. Does my child have to stay in the multiage class after the first year? While it is hoped that your child will want to stay in the class, the option to move to another class will be offered to students and parents at the end of each year. Is there research to support the concept? There is research to support the concept. Anderson and Pavan reviewed 64 research articles published between 1968-1990 which compared graded and nongraded (multiage) classrooms. Regarding academic achievement based on standardized tests:
Pros & Cons of Multiage What is it? · Combination of grade levels within one classroom · Younger students stay with same teacher the next year · 2-3 year program · Range of student skills, abilities, interests, personalities, and ages
What grades will be combined? The potential exists for any two or three grades to be combined for classes EXCEPT for 3-4. This is due to class size reduction and the limit of 20 to a class.
Instructional
Delivery and Scheduling
How do you determine if students pass or fail? Standardized tests, teacher made tests, and performance activities will be used to evaluate student progress. Pre-testing is done regularly to assess student needs and to determine appropriate instruction. Post-testing is done to assess student achievement and evaluate any need for additional instruction. In addition, the Poway District has set academic standards for the knowledge and skills that students should develop and acquire at each grade level. In comparing these across grade levels, many of the skills are revisited again with the students becoming more expert as they grow. These academic standards will be used as benchmarks for student progress. As is done in single age/grade classes, parents will receive report cards showing student progress. What size are the classes? Combination class size will not differ from class size in single age/grade. Classes in grades K-3 are required by law to have no more that 20 students. Classes in grades 4-5 will ideally have 32 students or less, however this may vary slightly based on enrollment. Will classes be balanced academically? Like single age/grade classes, combination classes will be carefully selected and balanced. Every effort will be made to have an equal number of boys and girls and an equal number of students from each grade level. The classes will reflect the cultural mix of the community. Most importantly, all ability levels will be represented. There will be a balance of students of lower ability and higher ability. The goal is a mixture of students in a heterogeneous setting. Does my child have to stay in a combination class after the first year? No. Combination Classes may be for only one year.
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