The current study was designed to assess the vocabulary and literacy skills of young children who participated in an authentic literacy practice, i.e., Vivian Paley's "storytelling curriculum," over the course of their respective prekindergarten or kindergarten years. We asked: How do prekindergarten and kindergarten age children, who…

The hypothesis that the greater the proportion of adults in class the higher the aggregate average class performance was tested with 619 community college students and 2,175 university students. The hypothesis was supported by the community college sample as well as the university sample with the exception of university math classes. (SK)

Describes the rationale for multiage groupings and reviews the major research studies and syntheses associated with this innovation in middle schools. (JPB)

One of the most absurd vestiges of yesteryear in the public schools is the widely accepted practice of moving students to different teachers and grade levels every year, leading to an annual mix of new classmates and instructional methodologies. No respectable body of research or scholarly reflection today gives any credibility to the academic and…

The goal of this study was to describe the potential educational opportunities that lie in self-directed age-mixed interactions among children and adolescents. A qualitative analysis was used to generate ideas about goals and benefits of such interactions. The setting for the study was Sudbury Valley School (Massachusetts), a private school with…

Inspired by Lilian Katz's lectures and books, the staff of Hollywood Elementary School in southern Maryland embraced Katz's philosophy of developmentally appropriate programs, project learning, and multiage grouping. This paper describes Hollywood's journey as a school community to implement these strategies, discussing the multiage organization…

Discusses literacy experiences in a multiage classroom, noting different kinds of groupings and showing how the teacher grouped and regrouped the children on a typical school day. Argues that flexible grouping is an effective organizational approach appropriate to any classroom. (SR)

Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech Center in Oklahoma serves adult and secondary students in the same classroom. Effective techniques for intergenerational classes include individualized learning activity packets, varied teaching methods, and peer teaching and mentoring. One challenge is accommodating the different learning-environment preferences of younger…

Discusses the benefits of structuring middle schools around randomly formed multiage teams that do not depend on assessing students' developmental stages. Considers the benefits of forming an extended school family, diversity, instructional issues, scheduling and planning, and parent support. (JPB)

A proposed intergenerational learning community is a model for a charter school focused on literacy, artistic studies, technology, environment, and personal wellness. Instructional design includes nongraded, multiage, heterogeneous groupings with flexible looping to support individualized learning. Mentoring and apprenticeships will be featured.…

McConaghy suggests that improving quality learning outcomes for students in NSW rural and remote schools requires "bold pedagogical solutions ... developed in and for the specific contexts of rural NSW schooling" (2002, p.3). This paper seeks to identify elements of this pedagogical solution that could be incorporated into pre-service…

An Oregon elementary teacher attributes her best teaching year ever to parents' and community members' voluntary participation. They got involved in four ways--communicating through voice mail, sharing expertise in the classroom, helping gather lesson materials, and participating in monthly learning celebrations. These activities supplemented…

Examines toddler friendships in a qualitative study of four toddler friendship dyads using Rizzo's (1989) dimensions of friendship. Suggests that toddlers engage in more complex relationships than previously thought. Also presents a developmental theory of friendship. (DR)

An unnecessary bias toward separate programing for younger and older adults precludes intergenerational learning and reinforces age stereotypes. Recent gerontological research supports common learning themes for young and old: self-sufficiency, adaptation, and class and gender concerns. (SK)

Describes the play "Voices" created from 30 interviews with local residents and about 50 accompanying slide photographs. Notes that the interview subjects ranged from 15 to 91 years of age across as wide spectrum of the populace as possible. Describes how the production was an attempt to provide a hearing to a range of different voices, opinions…