Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

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…

A survey of 148 rural independent, multigrade elementary school districts in Montana examined how districts compensate their teachers and whether or not that compensation has kept pace with larger school districts. The results indicate that rural school teachers in many cases work for less money than any other group of teachers in the state. Only…

This paper reviews selected research studies of multigrade classrooms in Canada, Finland, eight developing nations (India, Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia), and the United States. Based on information about the perceptions of multigrade instruction of principals and teachers, the following issues are…

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…

This paper includes a discussion of the problem of multilevel Latin classes, a description of various techniques and perspectives the teacher might use in dealing with these classes, and copies of materials and exercises that have proved useful in multilevel classes. Because the reasons for the existence of such classes are varied, it is suggested…

The paper focuses on the differences which characterize rural schools and suggests ways in which teacher preparation programs might train beginning teachers specifically for rural schools. Section 1 describes ways in which teacher preparation programs can help prospective teachers prepare for the breadth of responsibilities expected in rural…

This study investigated the effects of multigrade classes on student achievement in the Mesa Public Schools in Reading and Mathematics. Student achievement in differing abilities groups and levels was also analyzed. The District formed multigrade classes from adjacent grade levels to reduce class loads and number of teachers. Students retained…

Some of the more visible efforts, activities, and results which have taken place among the small schools of Nevada during the initial phase (1962-65) of the Western States Small Schools Project are described. These activities, dealing with the problems and concerns of small schools, include workshops, supervised correspondence and programed…

A remedial math program was devised for a rural school with a total population of 110 students housed in split grades. Volunteers implemented the program, which combined metacognition strategies and behavioral reinforcement. Students made slow, consistent gains, The average number of computation facts mastered per month per student was six. (JHZ)

A 15-year study of Amish schools in the United States and Canada found that the number of Amish schools has grown dramatically from 1940 through the present. The Amish provide formal schooling only up to the eighth grade, after which adolescents are engaged in mastering a trade before entering into adulthood. The Amish once supported public…

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

Described is the development of the Self-Schedule System, which aims at optimizing instructional time by teaching students to manage their own time and tasks. Program components for training students and for providing structural and ecological supports for flexible usage of school resources are outlined and research findings discussed. (SJL)

This paper examines the organizational changes introduced in two elementary schools to create unitary (desegregated) classrooms. The different models adopted by the two schools--departmentalization and team teaching--are considered as expressions of their patterns of interaction, behavior, and values. (Part of a theme issue on educational…