Madison Elementary School implemented multi-age classrooms in Grades 1-6 in the 2016-17 school year.
In September 2023 Madison will continue to work towards the goal of multi-age classrooms K-6 with the extension of our Grades 1/2 classes to become Grades K/1/2 classrooms. The 2023-24 year will be our transition year as we will have a K/1, Gr. 1/2, and Gr. K-2 classrooms. The 2024-25 year will see the final step of implementation with three K-2 classrooms.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is available to help answer common questions, click here.
On June 1, 2023 our K-2 teachers provided a presentation to parents about the upcoming year. The documents that were handed out the slideshow used as a guide can be found here.
Resources and research can be found below.
What training do teachers participate in for teaching multi-age?
Teachers are trained through their course work and certified to teach Prek-Grade 3 or Kindergarten-Grade 6/8. There is no specific training for "multi-age." However, our teachers are supported by professional development opportunities offered by MES administration and through their own personal professional development process. Throughout the implementation teachers have had access to experts in education to support differentiation of instruction, curriculum planning, Universal Design for Learning, paid summer work time, and support from an experienced multi-age educator. During the 2022-23 school year Dr. Maura Hart is working with staff through the use of instructional coaching to provide support for their continued work. We plan to continue this relationship with Dr. Hart in the 2023-24 school year.
Current relevant research and information is being made available to support this structure for students. Please see some of this information below.
Why Does Age Determine the How, What and With Whom of Learning?
"Any individual child might seem “more” mature in certain areas and “less” mature in others. But, this is only if we subscribe to the idea that there is such a thing as “normal” for each and every age." ULCCA JOSHI HANSEN, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
Please see the information below regarding what Multi-age classrooms are and what children experience.
For more information, please contact the school.