Presents the Self-Actualization and Interdependence (SAI) model for teaching gifted students. The SAI model is a nongraded approach that groups children according to a age, class dynamics, relationship to teachers, and special interests and abilities. The curriculum aspects of the model are described. (CR)

Examined along three assessment criteria (self-esteem and attitudes toward school, writing, and reading) the effects of literature-based mixed-age grouping compared to traditional grouping that emphasized a basal-reader approach in language arts. Found significantly higher increases in pretest-posttest scores for students in mixed-age settings.…

Describes the activities of the Elizabeth Street Learning Center, a kindergarten through grade-10 school in Los Angeles that emphasizes multiage classrooms, parent education, and year-round activities. The school, which serves a mainly Mexican-American population, is funded by the New American Schools Development Corporation, a private consortium…

Comments on the articles presented in this issue with respect to their implications for classroom practices. Stresses that in this issue, the researchers describe how social context factors (such as adult viewpoints and adult-child interaction patterns) and physical context factors (such as variations in classroom space-time organization and…

This literature review on the effects of multiage groupings (MAGs) in the primary grades supports their use and argues that children in MAGs perform as well academically as children in single-age groupings (SAGs) and develop better self-concept and school attitudes than children in SAGs. Expresses concerns over lack of training and support for…

Discusses the overwhelmingly positive evidence from experience and research which suggests that a multiage environment can be superior to one of age-segregated class levels. Illuminates the logic of educating students in mixed-age groups (called multiage) by discussing the academic and social advantages, the affective benefits, and the positive…

A study of 293 students from one graded and one nongraded elementary school found that primary and intermediate students in the ungraded school performed better in reading and math, and language and spelling, respectively. A second study of 134 students from two graded and two ungraded elementary schools found higher social skills in the nongraded…

Describes one principal's success at helping teachers guide reform in a Wisconsin elementary school by creating, with the help of his teachers, a school that abolished age-based grade levels and traditional grades for some students. The paper describes what it takes to create a successful program that encourages teacher collaboration. A sidebar…

Investigated experiences in a multiage classroom, especially from the child's and parents' perspectives. Found that despite concerns, in the multiage classroom each child is allowed to progress at his or her own pace; individuality is valued; competition is lessened; and children have more time to develop relationships. (Author/SD)

Implementing best practices like cooperative learning, using concrete manipulatives, problem solving, technology, active learning, multi-age grouping, and team teaching have shown benefits for students when learning mathematics concepts within the curriculum (Zemelman, Daniels & Hyde, 1998; NCTM, 2000). What started as a professional development…

This volume provides an examination of the theoretical basis for preschool through elementary school multiage grouping, a realistic picture of what it looks like, some guidelines for planning and implementing a multiage model, and recommendations from practicing multiage teachers. Chapter 1 defines multiage grouping and provides a brief history of…

This study examined the impact of the multiage classroom on second, third, and fourth graders in an Elkhart, Indiana elementary school. One classroom from each grade participated in the multiage classroom. The classroom of 70 students was combined for at least 1 afternoon per week during the 1995-96 school year. During February, the classroom was…

This paper describes the development and operation of two professional development schools (PDS) by the School of Education at Baylor University. These schools were organized to develop and demonstrate: (1) high quality learning programs for diverse students; (2) practical, thought-provoking preparation for novice teachers; (3) new understandings…

Ten articles provide a detailed look at examples of real-world multiage classrooms; review the literature and research surrounding multiage groupings; explore the practical issues involved in organizing, conducting, and assessing multiage classrooms; and offer insight into the many implications of and subtleties that accompany multiage groupings.…

This newsletter includes five articles on early childhood education and young children, with particular reference to poor and minority children. "Scientific Literacy Is Child's Play" (Hilaria Bauer) discusses the natural development of scientific literacy in young children through their construction of knowledge and play. "Children of America,…