Combined Classes

Hi all.

I find it worthwhile to republish this note that I sent out my first September here as I know there is still considerable misunderstanding about the structure of education especially around grade levels and combined classes. In a nutshell all students, individually, are met where they are on the developmental continuum and moved forward from there. The concept of “grade levels” is only an organizational tool to allow us to create groupings. Every student is met where they are!!

Information & Research on Combined (AKA SPLIT) Classes

Each school year many of our students are placed into a combined class. Combined classes are a reality in every elementary school, and every child will be in both straight and combined classes during their elementary school years. Some parents can be concerned about possible negative impacts of being in a combined – there is none. With this in mind, we have put together some information below about combined and straight grade classes to help families better understand:

 

1. 1.   Research has shown there is no difference in academic achievement between children in split classes versus straight grade classes.
2. A single grade class is a multi-grade class as children are all at different stages of development. Every child develops at his/her own rate and pace.
3. Three common misconceptions about combined classes.

• A combined class is comprised of the more capable students in the younger grade and students who struggle in the older grade.

Truth:  Every class is balanced both academically and socially whether it is a straight or combined grade class.

 

• If a child is in the older grade with younger students, they will not be challenged.

Truth:  Teachers use differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all the learners in both straight and combined classes.  Instruction is customized to students’ stages of devlopment.

• In a combined class, students will miss grade level curriculum.

Truth:  A teacher in combined classroom is to be able to integrate different subject matters and bring students together to promote a one-class atmosphere.

4. Sometimes, children may remain with a teacher for a second year. There are many benefits in continuing with the same teacher and in the same learning environment for more than one year.

•    The teacher knows the students abilities and is therefore able to  provide appropriate instruction.
• Students can continue a second year with familiar routines and expectations, which naturally leads to leadership skills.
• The child and teacher have built a relationship of trust over the  years.  The student becomes extensively familiar with the learning environment and naturally begins to understand himself as a learner and   a person.

5. Benefits for the students

• The older students have opportunities for leadership, mentoring and peer support.  They learn to be positive, mature role models for the younger students.
• The younger children gain self-confidenceand maturity by being exposed to older students.
• There is greater peer-to-peer learning in blended classrooms.
• Students develop friendships across grade levels and instil a greater sense of responsibility for one another, and a better sense of community.

Learn more about how and why combined classes work in this video:  https://youtu.be/CqtQ_zUBPjI