Multiage

1. Multiage

2. What is the Multiage Philosophy? A DoDEA multiage classroom consists of children of at least a two-year grade span and diverse ability levels who are grouped in a single classroom that are encouraged to share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills.

3. How are multiage classrooms different than combination or split grade classrooms?

5. What is the history of Multiage in DoDEA? Frequently have had combination or split classrooms�due to school size With the Early Childhood Initiative (SY 1999-2000) the multiage philosophy was adopted Programs are usually voluntary�.sometimes as a result of school size Programs can be found in Europe, Pacific, and DDESS, as well as in public schools in the United States

6. Where can you find multiage classrooms in the Pacific? There are multiage classrooms in Korea, Japan, and Okinawa. Age range varies and spans from K-6

7. Why are we implementing MA in our school? Belief in the multiage benefits for students Belief in providing alternative settings for learning

8. How are multiage classrooms and single grade classrooms different?

9. An increased cooperative spirit between students and teacher An increase in parental involvement Mixed ages and ability levels provide opportunities for flexible groupings within the class Students develop into independent learners

10. What does research say about the advantages of multiage classrooms? Students in a multiage classroom did the same or better in academic areas and were consistently better in the affective areas such as confidence, self-esteem, and attitudes. Students in a multiage classroom developed skills to be lifelong readers.

11. What would I, as a parent, expect to see in a multiage classroom? Children working in groups as well as individually Active participation Meaningful learning Integrated curriculum Teacher working with groups of students or interacting with individual students Students busy working around the room

12. How will teachers plan instruction for a multiage classroom? Instruction is� Driven by content standards Purposeful & relevant Integrated Collaborative Dependent on communication

13. How do Multiage Classrooms benefit the older and the younger students in the class?

14. How can the teacher meet the needs of students in more than one grade level?

15. How will students� progress be assessed and graded? Assessments are� Standards-based Focused on essential, important skills Instructionally relevant Efficient to administer Sensitive to changes Measurements of performance The types of assessment and grading practices used in a single grade classroom are very similar to those used in a graded classroom. In terms of system-wide requirements�your child will still participate in DoDEA required standardized testing (Terra Nova, BAM etc.) Your child will also still receive the DoDEA Report Card. Both single grade and graded classrooms use similar assessment methodsThe types of assessment and grading practices used in a single grade classroom are very similar to those used in a graded classroom. In terms of system-wide requirements�your child will still participate in DoDEA required standardized testing (Terra Nova, BAM etc.) Your child will also still receive the DoDEA Report Card. Both single grade and graded classrooms use similar assessment methods

16. Assessment Strategies Used in Classrooms Observations and anecdotal records Checklists Rubrics Student Work Samples/Portfolios Conversations/conferences with students Student self-assessments Quizzes, tests Projects Standardized assessments

17. How are students selected to be in a multiage classroom? (specific to school situation) Philosophical choice Parent option

18. What happens to children when they return to a single grade classroom? Children from multiage classrooms display� The ability to work cooperatively with ease Independent work habits The ability to see connections in learning Intrinsic motivation The ability to communicate feelings and ideas

19. What instructional materials will the teachers use in a multiage classroom? DoDEA approved curriculum and texts used as a resource Additional resources to include books, internet, etc.

20. Where can I get more information about the multiage philosophy? DoDEA Website www.dodea.edu DoDDS Pacific Website www.pac.dodea.edu