Notes on Multi-Age Classrooms

Amy Hetzner:

In fact, the only indication this is a multiage classroom comes more than an hour into the day’s math lesson, when the students are divided into two groups – first-graders with Weber, second-graders with gifted-specialist Kristin Stein.
Since the beginning of the school year, the Menomonee Falls school has been trying out the multiage classroom as a way to raise student achievement and forge better relationships with parents and students. Riverside Principal Kathy Myles is so encouraged thus far that she hopes to add another class – for third- and fourth-graders – next year.
“My whole thing is about creating options for learners,” said Myles, who also thinks it’s important to keep traditional grade-level classes for students who learn better that way.