Describes an elementary school teacher's experiences in instructing the same group of pupils for both first and second grade. Notes that the two-year relationship helped the teacher and students develop a strong sense of community and was especially beneficial to the shy, quiet students, who became more open and comfortable in school. (MDM)

Looping, the practice of moving teachers to the next grade level along with their students, is enjoying a comeback. European and U.S. Waldorf schools have used this approach since the early 1900s. The extra time gained in learning translates into improved student achievement, discipline, and participation. (Contains 10 references.) (MLH)

This article investigates how a Midwestern early childhood teacher's practice and her views of her practice are culturally constrained. The research is framed by a cultural psychology and draws on an ethnographic and interpretive biographic study of Mary, an experienced first-grade teacher. We explore Mary's practice through four central themes:…

Looping, also called multiyear teaching or replacement, is a nontraditional classroom arrangement in which the students have the same teacher for 2 successive years. Looping involves a partnership of at least two teachers who teach two different grade levels, but in alternate years. Research was conducted on the looping program at the Berino…

Shall teachers in city graded schools be advanced from grade to grade with their pupils through a series of two, three, four, or more years, so that they may come to know the children they teach and be able to build the work of the latter years on that of the earlier years, or shall teachers be required to remain year after year in the same grade…

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)

This action research project sought to enhance parent, student, and teacher relationships and maximize academic time in the elementary school setting by implementing looping, the practice of teachers progressing with the same students through two or more grades. The targeted population consisted of second graders in a middle-class, blue-collar…

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…

"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…

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, or multi-year teaching, is the pedagogical practice of allowing students and teachers to remain together for 2 or more years. This 2-year case study investigated looping practices and perceptions of looping among eighth-grade middle school students, teachers, and parents. Data from two middle schools were collected in the second year of…

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…

Describes a preschool teacher's transition from a traditional kindergarten to a multi-age, multi-year (looping) program. Lists common complaints heard from more-traditional teachers receiving children from more-developmentally appropriate classrooms. Explains the importance of using whole language with quality children's books for Spanish-speaking…

Principals must structure their schools' learning environments with high expectations for achievement and behavior and for positive student-teacher relationships to ensure safer, more inclusive, and higher achieving schools. Personalizing high schools as to size, groupings, schedules, tutoring, and conflict mediation is essential. (Contains 27…