Critiques the conclusions of S. Veenman (1995) about multigrade classes and suggests that selection bias and lower-quality instruction should be included as part of the explanation for his findings of no difference. Indicates that multigrade classes have at least a small negative effect on achievement and potentially negative effects on teacher…

D. Mason and R. Burns (1996) have concluded that multigrade classes have a slightly negative effect on students' achievement. However, a reanalysis, based on meta-analytic procedures, of the available studies shows the average weighted effect sizes to be essentially zero or close to zero. Contains 51 references. (SLD)

This article describes a multiage classroom led by three co-teachers who facilitate the education of 42 students ages six through nine years. The classroom is located in a public school district that practices inclusion and subscribes to the principles of whole schooling. A literature review defines the concepts of co-teaching, multiage education,…

Finds that, among 418 students in 8 New Brunswick (Canada) elementary schools, students in multigrade classes and matched peers in single grades 1-5 did not differ significantly in grade points or total achievement test scores. Reports that 27 of 34 teachers surveyed preferred teaching single grade classes. (SV)

A questionnaire surveyed 72 combination classroom (CC) teachers in 28 rural schools of North Carolina to determine their needs. The major conclusions of the study based on teachers' perceptions were: (1) all CC teachers should have an aide and a pay bonus to teach a CC; (2) colleges and school districts have not provided special training on how to…

Two studies were conducted on the effects of multiage classrooms. The first study investigated verbal interaction among children of different age groups and student-teacher interaction in multiage classrooms. Existing multiage classrooms in various settings were observed and information was recorded on the ages of the children initiating and…

A review of 21 quantitative studies of students in grades K-6 indicates that there are no significant differences in overall student achievement between multigrade and single-grade classrooms, while multigrade students strongly outperform single-grade students on measures of affect, attitudes, and social relationships. Contains 23 references. (SV)

Using results of a best-evidence synthesis and a meta-analysis of an extensive international database, it is argued that there is no empirical evidence at the moment showing that student learning suffers in combination classes. No support is found for the selection bias suggested by D. Mason and R. Burns (1997). (SLD)

S. Veenman argues that his reviews of the literature lead to the conclusion that combination classes are neither worse nor better than single-grade classes. This rejoinder discusses disagreements with Veenman's findings, which are hampered by a narrow reading and interpretation of the literature on potential positive effects of combination…

This ERIC digest reviews the history of the multigrade classroom, and summarizes research findings on multigrading effects on achievement and attitude. It also states requirements of teaching and learning in multigrade classrooms. Multigrade classrooms have ranged from the one-room schools of the early 1900s to the ungraded classroom of the 1960s…

Colombia's rural "escuelas nuevas" feature multigrade classrooms, flexible promotion, rural-oriented curriculum, parent and community involvement, mastery learning, peer instruction, and library resources. A study of over 3,000 students found that, compared to traditional schools, Escuela Nueva schools had lower dropout probabilities,…

Research on combination classes, in which students from two or more grades are placed with one teacher for most or all of the school day, is reviewed. Consistent research findings are that combination classes, distinguished from multiage/nongraded classes, have at least a small negative effect on student achievement. (SLD)

This paper presents findings of the longitudinal School Success Study (SSS), which is being conducted to determine the academic and social effects of nongraded (multiage, continuous progress) programs on Tennessee elementary school students. Covering the years 1993-99, the research seeks to identify successful school practices in both nongraded…

Multigrade classes have been recognized as part of elementary education for many years, but their special needs have been largely ignored. This manual focuses on the survey research that should predate the design of instructional management strategies in multigrade classrooms. It describes rapid and reliable ways to collect information about the…

In 1993, East Cleveland Schools teamed with Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Foundation to pilot FAST (Families Are Students and Teachers). Kindergartners stay with the same teacher through second grade and benefit from summer enrichment programs and school/home interactions. A strong relationship-oriented program, coupled with…