Multi Age Van Hise Elementary School Julie Frentz

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Multi Age Van Hise Elementary School Julie Frentz Principal April, 2008

Multi Age Van Hise Elementary School Julie Frentz Principal April, 2008

What is Multi-Age? w Definition—Grouping students of more than one grade level into one

What is Multi-Age? w Definition—Grouping students of more than one grade level into one classroom, such as a second grade and a third grade combination into one classroom commonly referred to as a “ 2/3”

When do we have them? w Traditionally, it was when allocations dictated having them.

When do we have them? w Traditionally, it was when allocations dictated having them. (enough teachers for 2 and a half 2 nd grades and 2 and a half 3 rd grades)

MYTHS About Multi-Age w Students are “tracked” by their ability. (for instance, when we

MYTHS About Multi-Age w Students are “tracked” by their ability. (for instance, when we create a 2 nd/3 rd grade combination classroom, we put all the smart 2 nd graders and all the slow 3 rd graders together. w Teachers spend half their time teaching one grade level and the other half of their time teaching the other grade level, so students get half the teaching.

MYTHS About Multi-Age w Students are separated by their grade throughout the entire day

MYTHS About Multi-Age w Students are separated by their grade throughout the entire day depending on the activity. w In a multi-age classroom, there is always a bigger range of abilities than in a single grade classroom. w The older students are responsible for doing all the teaching of the younger students.

How is multi-age possible? w We teach very differently today than 20 years ago.

How is multi-age possible? w We teach very differently today than 20 years ago. w We no longer teach the same thing in the same way, no matter what the kids need.

Benefits of Multi-Age w Research shows slight gains in academics. w Students/families spend more

Benefits of Multi-Age w Research shows slight gains in academics. w Students/families spend more than one year with a teacher, therefore building relationships, and better knowledge of the student. w Much greater flexibility in classroom placement, increasing the ability to create balanced classrooms.

Benefits of Multi-Age w More flexibility in delivering services to all students within the

Benefits of Multi-Age w More flexibility in delivering services to all students within the classroom. w Social benefits for both older and younger children. w Teachers truly work to address the needs of individual children. w More stability over time.

Benefits of Multi-Age w Mixed grades more realistically represents our real world experiences. w

Benefits of Multi-Age w Mixed grades more realistically represents our real world experiences. w Fits with the demands of “No Child Left Behind”, reducing or eliminating the stigma of being held back in fourth grade.

Cons of past practices with Multi-Age w We were using multi-age classrooms based on

Cons of past practices with Multi-Age w We were using multi-age classrooms based on district resources, when we were told. w Teachers and students were isolated (the only classroom teaching 2/3). w Curriculum plans were inconsistent.

Cons of past practices with Multi-Age w There was no continuity from year to

Cons of past practices with Multi-Age w There was no continuity from year to year, and often the benefits were lost, due to dis-banning the single multi-age the following year. w Some teachers were operating under some of the myths described earlier. w Teachers weren’t given time to plan, collaborate, and understand multi-age philosophy.

The History at Van Hise w 4/5 combination for 4 years. w “hit or

The History at Van Hise w 4/5 combination for 4 years. w “hit or miss” in other grades, depending on allocations w Frustration among parents and staff

District Philosophy Statement w Multi-aged classrooms are an appropriate way to organize schools based

District Philosophy Statement w Multi-aged classrooms are an appropriate way to organize schools based on sound instructional practices, needs of students and changing resources. w Multi-age instruction can promote engagement, learning and relationships through:

District Philosophy Statement w Differentiated curriculum to meet the wide range of developmental needs

District Philosophy Statement w Differentiated curriculum to meet the wide range of developmental needs of students, w Expanded social relationships among students and staff, w Long-range relationships between school and home, w Collaboration among staff.

District Philosophy Statement w Resources, professional development and strategies will be provided to assist

District Philosophy Statement w Resources, professional development and strategies will be provided to assist school communities to include multi-age classrooms in the schools’ instructional design.

Future Plans for Van Hise w Continuing and additional support for teachers w Maintaining

Future Plans for Van Hise w Continuing and additional support for teachers w Maintaining multi-age sections for several years in a row w Establishing curriculum cycles in social studies and science

Questions? ? Contact Julie Frentz 204 -4800 jfrentz@madison. k 12. wi. us

Questions? ? Contact Julie Frentz 204 -4800 jfrentz@madison. k 12. wi. us