Family grouping (a classroom organization plan in which elementary school children of differing chronological and developmental stages are grouped in a single class) is a means for providing continuity between home and school with a minimum of psychological and emotional shock. (MJB)

Provides a personal account of the author's grade school years in the Independence School in Colorado. (AH)

An observational study of 12 mixed-age and 12 single-age Dutch primary reading/language and mathematics classes revealed that time-on-task levels were lower for the mixed-age classes. However, no significant differences in achievement test scores were found. (IAH)

When enrollment fluctuates, dual-age classes are an effective means of maintaining a reasonable student/teacher ratio. Teachers must have experience, flexibility, and creativity; and students selected must be able to work both cooperatively and independently. Chronological ages and achievement ranges are usually narrower than in "straight"…

A comprehensive instructional system to meet the needs of students of differing achievement and grade in the same classroom, this program is characterized by an innovative management system, procedures for continuous assessment of educational needs and achievement, a curriculum based on individual needs, and an emphasis on parent and community…

Describes integrated approach to teaching the arts which can be utilized in single or multi-grade classrooms in rural settings by teachers who may not have a background in any art form. Addresses problems of time, preparation, and resources that hinder curriculum development by rural educators. (NEC)

A teacher gives insight into the benefits of teaching a combination class. Students of different levels learn to think of themselves as multilevel people, sometimes helping their peers, other times receiving help. Suggestions for planning for two different levels are offered. (DF)

Illustrates the benefits and challenges of team-teaching in a multi-age classroom by describing one school's efforts at implementing language arts instruction within an interdisciplinary approach. Discusses initiating multi-age grouping and the advantages and challenges of multi-age classrooms. Offers recommendations. (SR)

Examination of interviews and surveys provides an overview of the problems and needs of rural school teachers in multigrade classrooms. A review of research and teacher reports in the U.S. and other countries compares instructional methods in multigrade and single grade classrooms. Implications for teacher preparation, classroom organization, and…

Discusses recent findings on looping's effects in our educational system and on parent/teacher attitudes in the school community. Analyzes parent survey data gathered at an urban elementary school in a large midwestern school corporation. Results suggest guarded support for multigraded classes, as effects on achievement gains are unknown. (13…

This handbook examines practices and issues involved in the implementation of multiage programs. Data were collected through site visits at four schools with reputations for excellent multiage programs; interviews with a representative sample of parents and teachers at each school; document analysis; a survey of multiage teachers, parents, and…

Multiage/multiability grouping is when more than one grade level of students is grouped in a classroom. This report summarizes the research on multiage/multiability grouping in the primary grades. The paper, which is intended for use in Kentucky's educational system, focuses on quantitatively based comparative research syntheses. The text…

On the basis of a comprehensive best-evidence synthesis of the literature on the effects of multigrade and multi-age classes, Veenman (1995) concluded that there were no significant differences between multigrade and single-grade classes in cognitive or achievement effects. Subsequently, Mason and Burns (1996) challenged Veenman's conclusion,…

Contains contributions from five educators concerning the following topics: (1) the "Super Sounder" system of presenting phonics instruction to beginning readers, (2) teaching vocabulary in a multigrade classroom, (3) language experience and basal readers, (4) pacing as a key to successful drill work, and (5) creative ways to encourage reading.…