This phenomenological study highlighted the perceptions of teachers and parents toward the academic and social effects of looping in elementary schools. The purpose of this study was to determine if teachers and parents feel that looping in elementary school better supports student relationships, growth, and academic achievement. The sample for…

This article provides a description of the birth of The Odyssey Initiative. As teachers, this group of three, all educators, knew that there was outrage about the state of education in America. Griping about our nation's schools has almost become a pastime, and with very good reason. However, they found the solutions being offered to save our…

This article features Seven Oaks School Division Met School in Winnipeg, a high school that limits class size to 15, tailors its curriculum to the needs and interests of its individual students, places students in community-based internships two days a week, and keeps the teacher--called an advisor--with the same group of students from Grade 9…

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…

In 1993, East Cleveland Schools teamed with Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Foundation to pilot FAST (Families Are Students and Teachers). Kindergartners stay with the same teacher through second grade and benefit from summer enrichment programs and school/home interactions. A strong relationship-oriented program, coupled with…

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…

Presents the Primary Teaching model of early caregiving whereby a child and family are assigned to a primary teacher with whom they stay throughout the child's time in care. Focuses on components of primary teaching, the continuity of care, and the benefits and problems of this approach. (KB)

"Looping" is an essentially simple concept: a teacher moves with his or her students to the next grade level, rather than sending them to another teacher at the end of the school year. This Digest explores the practitioners' perspectives on looping, the experience of European school systems, and research on looping. Practitioners report…

Discusses the advantages and problems of multi-year instruction or "looping." Looping improves relationships, increases student achievement, strengthens school-home partnerships, increases parental support, promotes discipline, and increases academic time. Briefly describes Tolland Middle School's implementation of multi-year…