Multiage
Multiage is a group of mixed-age learners and teachers who work together in different group formations to learn over multiple years. Students are placed in groups by ability to ensure a match between their learning level and the level of the curriculum. Students are placed in Homerooms as kindergartners and remain with the same Homeroom teacher for their primary years. 4th and 5th graders are grouped with the same Homeroom teacher for two years. Finally, middle school students remain with the same Homeroom teacher for their middle school years. Throughout the day, students in the K-5 program move to different classrooms to receive instruction at the assessed level of need. Students may move to different groups if their needs change. If needed, students may move to another grade level for enrichment or intervention. Remaining in the program allows for continuous growth and monitoring of student progress. Most students in the program exit prepared for grade-level or higher work in any school or program.
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Multiage teachers carefully monitor the needs of the students. Meeting daily, they develop and deliver standards-based curriculum to meet the needs of each individual. Special services are given to Multiage students who are in need of interventions. Multiage teachers use GATE and EXCEL strategies to meet the enrichment needs of high achieving students, including GATE identified students. Multiage teachers believe that their role is to “guide” students in their educational journey, not to be the “sage on the stage”. Learning is the responsibility of each child.
CURRICULUM
Multiage curriculum is “student-driven”, based on the interests and needs of the students while still meeting state standards and grade-level curriculum expectations. The multiage program is a “hands-on”, project driven program, promoting multiple learning styles and “real-life” learning. The program’s goal is to prepare students to be successful in our diverse, global society.
A MULTIAGE CLASSROOM
The Multiage classroom belongs to the students. Materials, space, and responsibilities are shared by all. Students choose where they will work and how they will work with others. The classroom is “comfortable” and natural. Responsible movement and conversation are expected. The classroom is a family of learners where family members support each other. On occasion, students meet in families that include members from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Older students lead, nurture, and support younger children in learning, serving as role-models. As students move through the grade levels, each has the opportunity to become a leader.