Multi Age

1. Multi Age Van Hise Elementary School Julie Frentz Principal April, 2008

2. What is Multi-Age? • Definition—Grouping students of more than one grade level into one classroom, such as a second grade and a third grade combination into one classroom commonly referred to as a “2/3”

3. When do we have them? • Traditionally, it was when allocations dictated having them. (enough teachers for 2 and a half 2nd grades and 2 and a half 3rd grades)

4. MYTHS About Multi-Age • Students are “tracked” by their ability. (for instance, when we create a 2nd/3rd grade combination classroom, we put all the smart 2nd graders and all the slow 3rd graders together. • Teachers spend half their time teaching one grade level and the other half of their time teaching the other grade level, so students get half the teaching.

5. MYTHS About Multi-Age • Students are separated by their grade throughout the entire day depending on the activity. • In a multi-age classroom, there is always a bigger range of abilities than in a single grade classroom. • The older students are responsible for doing all the teaching of the younger students.

6. How is multi-age possible? • We teach very differently today than 20 years ago. • We no longer teach the same thing in the same way, no matter what the kids need.

7. Benefits of Multi-Age • Research shows slight gains in academics. • Students/families spend more than one year with a teacher, therefore building relationships, and better knowledge of the student. • Much greater flexibility in classroom placement, increasing the ability to create balanced classrooms.

8. Benefits of Multi-Age • More flexibility in delivering services to all students within the classroom. • Social benefits for both older and younger children. • Teachers truly work to address the needs of individual children. • More stability over time.

9. Benefits of Multi-Age • Mixed grades more realistically represents our real world experiences. • Fits with the demands of “No Child Left Behind”, reducing or eliminating the stigma of being held back in fourth grade.

10. Cons of past practices with Multi-Age • We were using multi-age classrooms based on district resources, when we were told. • Teachers and students were isolated (the only classroom teaching 2/3). • Curriculum plans were inconsistent.

11. Cons of past practices with Multi-Age • There was no continuity from year to year, and often the benefits were lost, due to dis-banning the single multi-age the following year. • Some teachers were operating under some of the myths described earlier. • Teachers weren’t given time to plan, collaborate, and understand multi-age philosophy.

12. The History at Van Hise • 4/5 combination for 4 years. • “hit or miss” in other grades, depending on allocations • Frustration among parents and staff

13. District Philosophy Statement • Multi-aged classrooms are an appropriate way to organize schools based on sound instructional practices, needs of students and changing resources. • Multi-age instruction can promote engagement, learning and relationships through:

14. District Philosophy Statement • Differentiated curriculum to meet the wide range of developmental needs of students, • Expanded social relationships among students and staff, • Long-range relationships between school and home, • Collaboration among staff.

15. District Philosophy Statement • Resources, professional development and strategies will be provided to assist school communities to include multi-age classrooms in the schools’ instructional design.

16. Future Plans for Van Hise • Continuing and additional support for teachers • Maintaining multi-age sections for several years in a row • Establishing curriculum cycles in social studies and science

17. Questions?? Contact Julie Frentz 204-4800 jfrentz@madison.k12.wi.us