In education, looping is defined as a continuous movement where a student has the same teacher for multiple years in a row. This strategy began in the 20th century by an Australian educator, Rudolf Steiner. This type of teaching was a success in Europe and was eventually called the Waldorf School Movement. This movement was founded on his reality…

Using data from the Family and Child Experiences Survey 2009 Cohort (n = 1,073), this study considered the implications of mixed-age education for young children's academic achievement when they experienced continuity and/or changes in classroom age composition across two years in Head Start (at age 3 and age 4). Results from these analyses…

For this study, we examined the constructs of time, student groupings, and professional staffing in schools and determined their significance in whether or not schools made Adequate Yearly Progress or were required mandatory improvement. We conducted a logistical regression analysis using a national data set, the School and Staffing Survey…

Originating from progressive educators who saw the need for student-centered educational designs rather than the traditional, single-age classroom design based on Henry Ford's assembly line, the multiage classroom design is returning as a viable alternative to the single-age classroom. The authors explored the perceptions of parents and teachers…

Describes looping or multiage, multiyear teaching at two elementary schools (Rocklin and Sierra) in the Rocklin Unified School District in Pacer County, California. Includes several Internet sources about looping. (PKP)

Teachers at Fort Wayne (Indiana) Community School are groundbreakers in "looping," a practice involving multiyear teaching assignments and no historical antecedent. Experienced loopers participating in an evaluation study reported that looping was great for students (especially at-risk kids) and hard on teachers; fostered a family…

The revived interest in multiage and looping (multiyear) classrooms addresses today's children's needs for a long-term, caring, learning environment. Although these practices are not panaceas, they are time-effective and instructionally efficient, allowing for continuous learning and less repetition, when teachers have adequate support, training,…

This compilation of resource materials includes article and book chapter reprints, checklists, and other materials of potential interest to early childhood and elementary school teachers. The book's seven sections are: (1) "Issues"; (2) "Multiyear Education"; (3) "Early Childhood"; (4) "Upper Elementary"; (5) "Assessment"; (6) "For Further…

Who says learning always has to be drudgery? Sarah Butzin, the founder of the Institute for School Innovation, proposes "triangulated learning" as a way to give children time to play and develop, even as they pursue high standards. Triangulation is a metaphor for strength. A triangulated learning system taps the power of three to meet…

The process of implementing the successful Continuous Progress Program at Concrete Elementary School (Washington) included gathering information on multiage grouping, formulating a template for change, parent and community involvement, acceptance of diverse teaching styles and philosophies, and continuous reassessment. The basic strategies driving…

This document consists of four issues of a newsletter for educators at the elementary level. Each issue focuses on a theme and includes an article on that theme, along with regular columns. The Fall 1997 issue focuses on using writer's clubs to encourage student writing. The news column for this issue discusses HIV in schools, and the vice…

Increasing numbers of middle school educators believe that the education of young adolescents can be enhanced when teachers and students are members of classrooms and small team groups characterized by long-lasting relationships. This book describes how to offer students the benefits of smallness within increasingly larger schools by ensuring…

Looping is the practice of a teacher staying with the same group of students for two or more years. It may also be referred to as multiyear teaching, teacher rotation, multiyear placement, and a variety of other names. This thesis examines the experience and effects of looping in the elementary classroom. An overview is provided of historical and…

Designed to help K-6 educators create child-centered classrooms in which all children can learn and succeed, this resource book contains article reprints, handouts, and reproducible pages pertaining to effective instruction. The book is organized into six subject areas: (1) learning/school readiness and kindergarten (including school improvement,…

These 11 newsletter issues provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas regarding mixed-age grouping in preschool and elementary schools. The October 1992 issue focuses on the mixed-age approach as an educational innovation, defines relevant terms, and presents advice from Oregon teachers on teaching mixed-age groups. The March 1993 issue…