Summarizes a case study examining how a nongraded, multiage schooling structure differs from a traditional grade structure, based on participants' perceptions. The ungraded school studied used responsive instruction, fostered student leadership and collaboration, created a family of learners, and encouraged student independence and responsibility.…

Interviewed 22 children, ages 7-9, in a mixed-age classroom about their conceptions of peer interaction and collaboration and about what it means to teach someone something. Found that children know they can teach their peers and are able to shift between acting as teacher and as learner in the active role. (DLH)

This paper discusses the impact of layout and design of child care centers on the education of young children. It asserts that child care facilities must be designed to support and stimulate children's natural developmental processes, providing both direct and indirect educational opportunities. The paper discusses the stages of the design process…

Describes how an undersupported rural elementary school in Mississippi became a model school with the unique Voyages curriculum. Under the dynamic, professional leadership of its principal, the school and teachers involved the entire community, local legislators, and others to gain support and funds for its innovative program that created an…

The case for multiage education is examined and an effort is made to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions about its implementation. The questions are organized into eight groups. The first group tries to clarify the concept of multiage education and its components. Concepts such as multiyear placement, looping classrooms, split…

This book describes the efforts of teachers to develop new strategies for looking at children's work and learning in three schools that are involved in the radical restructuring of education in concert with networks of reformers (the Coalition of Essential Schools, Foxfire, and Project Zero). The assessment strategies that these teachers are…

This handbook addresses the provision of an equitable basic education in rural areas, particularly in developing countries, by means of small schools located close to the pupils' homes. It is based on beliefs that small schools can be good schools; the appropriate place for a small school and its teachers is within the community; and small schools…

In 1993, New York City tried a different way of changing failing schools. A large failing high school was closed, and in its place were created four small high schools, a small elementary school, an infant and toddler program, a day care center for children of adolescent parents, and a medical clinic. Over a period of 3 or 4 years the building was…

Milwaukee's Highland Community school was opened in 1968 as an independent school (and is still funded mostly by donations) to provide a quality Montessori education and nurturing environment for economically and culturally diverse groups of families on the city's economically depressed Near West Side. Governed by a 9-member parent board of…

Looping is the practice of a teacher staying with the same group of students for two or more years. It may also be referred to as multiyear teaching, teacher rotation, multiyear placement, and a variety of other names. This thesis examines the experience and effects of looping in the elementary classroom. An overview is provided of historical and…

Within the field of early childhood education, several issues are currently being debated and many new developments are emerging. One of these trends is toward the expansion and redefinition of early childhood education to include all educational experiences for children from birth to 8 years of age. Another trend is the increased interest in…