Describes Project Friends, a mixed-age classroom of kindergartners, first graders, and second graders, including its beginnings, significant features (such as use of integrated thematic curriculum and "clubs"), and outcomes. Asserts that the program has empowered children for learning and encouraged helping relationships among children.…

A year-round magnet elementary school in Salem, Massachusetts, has increased its family involvement by borrowing elements from many models. The school has mixed-age groupings, integrated social services, and community outreach strategies such as a parent center, business-sponsored Friday clubs, and celebrations of learning. (MLH)

For the past four years, a multiage class in Maine has been involved in a pumpkin-growing and -marketing enterprise--a project involving real work and problem solving. Begun with a seed grant, the project raises money for field trips and nonessential teaching materials. Working cooperatively forges strong bonds among children, teachers, and…

This reference guide describes the implementation and use of mixed-age classrooms in Oregon. Those schools that wished to be included provided information on a prepared form. Responses from 94 elementary schools from 23 counties are presented. Each school's profile includes information on school statistics, a description of the program, how the…

Noting the relationship between educational philosophy and the cultural context in which it is implemented, discusses what American Montessori elementary teachers must do to create a classroom environment responsive to the Montessori notions of child-centeredness, multiage grouping, and community building, while meeting minimum performance…

Describes the open education preschool program of the Child Development Research Institute at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. Discusses the facility's play areas, learning centers, and outdoor environment; the program's attempts to foster children's creative expression, autonomy and responsibility, and thinking skills; and the program's use of…

The multi-age teams (MATs) at one Georgia middle school fostered continuous, individual student progress unachievable in more conventional classrooms. In MAT groups, assignments to classes were based on students' interests, abilities, performance, and other maturational factors, regardless of chronological age. Opportunities for remediation and…

Two teacher participants in a Georgia multi-age project offer principles for effective middle-school practice. Teachers should include kinesthetic activities and the arts; believe in every student's learning potential; make learning fun and engaging; use interdisciplinary and thematic approaches; assess their progress; and create learning…

Noting that there is a great demand for information to help educators learn about and develop programs in multiage education, this book shares many ideas on multiage instruction. The 12 chapters of the book are: (1) "Circling Back" (Jane Doan), on the resurgence of interest in the multiage movement; (2) "One Day" (Penelle Chase), exploring a day…

Discusses the origins and operation of The Manhattan New School, an alternative elementary school in New York City that opened in 1991, with a focus on the extensive staff development and literacy programs conducted by the school. (MDM)

Notes that the challenge for caregivers in developing intergenerational programs is to engage both groups with the materials and with each other while taking into consideration each group's needs and interests. Offers tips for planning any intergenerational activity. Explains how to plan activities using herbs, presents instructions for three…

Noting the fragile relationship between parent participation and school reform, this book tells the story of the Charquin Program, an alternative public school program in Hayward, California, dedicated to parent participation and notable for its open classroom structure and intensely democratic practice. The introduction relates the history and…

Describes and assesses the effectiveness of a staff development program for Dutch teachers in mixed-age classes as it relates to areas of classroom management, instruction, and pupils' on-task behavior. Results of the quasi-experimental, treatment-control group investigation showed that the training program was an effective staff development tool.…

A rural Canadian secondary school developed a cross-age peer-assisted summer program to improve academic achievement and career awareness. Although there was no significant improvement in math grades for female participants, 91 percent of students claimed the program helped them in their present courses. Other outcomes included improved academic…

Described is a visit to the Fajans School in Falkenberg, Sweden, a single stream elementary school with an integrated nursery and day care center. Serving 220 children, the Fajans school does not grade according to age or ability. The nursery school provides 47 day care places, plus 18 in a part-time day nursery and 30 for children 7-12 years old…