ANSWERING PARENTS’ QUESTIONS ABOUT SPLIT GRADE PLACEMENT
Parents often have questions about the placement of their children in classes. The following
are some frequently asked questions about classes of combined grades.
Why do you have classes of combined grades?
Most classes of combined grades are created to accommodate students in a school where it is
not possible to create only single-grade classes. For example, if there are thirty Grade 2 students,
thirty Grade 3 students, and three teachers, the only way to organize the children into smaller
classes is to combine some students from both grades in one class. Some schools, however,
choose to create classes of combined grades, so that their students have the opportunity to
gain the academic and socio-emotional benefits associated with such classes.
What are the benefits of placement in a class of combined grades?
There are many socio-emotional benefits for students who are in classes with students of various
ages. For example, in such classes, peer interactions have been shown to be very positive;
students have opportunities for greater development of social skills and cooperation skills; and
students often develop a feeling of comfort and security, a positive self-concept, and a sense
of satisfaction with their achievements. There are also significant opportunities for development
of leadership skills and for learning from peers. In studies measuring academic achievement,
students in classes of combined grades were found to perform as well as students in single grade
classes.
Why was my child chosen to be in a class of combined grades?
When placing students in all classes, educators consider a variety of factors, including
number of students, number of boys and girls, and students’ interests, strengths, needs,
learning styles, motivation, work habits, emotional development, and linguistic, cultural,
and social backgrounds.1
Will the teacher have as much time for each child in a class of combined grades?
The amount of time for an individual student is not determined by the organization of
classrooms by grade. In all classrooms, teachers employ a number of instructional strategies
to address the needs of all students. On a daily basis, teachers work with large groups, small
groups, and individual students.
How do teachers prepare for teaching classes of combined grades?
Teachers develop the knowledge and skills to effectively manage any classroom, including
knowledge of curriculum resources and flexibility in planning. Teachers also learn about which
instructional strategies work well with the students in their class while they teach, whether it
is a single-grade class or a class of combined grades. As well, the Ministry of Education and
the local district school board provide many professional learning opportunities for teachers
on planning and instruction.
Will the child in the higher grade be sufficiently challenged?
Research has shown that there are no negative effects on academic
achievement. Teachers design programs to challenge children at
their appropriate academic level. In any given classroom, students
have diverse needs and interests, and teachers spend a great deal
of time planning a program so that it addresses this range. Along
with the academic studies, students also learn to work with a
cross-section of other students, reinforcing social and leadership
skills. Research suggests that this is an advantage.
Might the child in the lower grade be overwhelmed?
Teachers and principals are careful in selecting students who
will be compatible in all classes. In any class, children show a
range of development physically, emotionally, and academically.
It is an advantage for younger children in a class of combined
grades to have many people they can ask for help – both the
teacher and older students. They may also benefit from being able to learn from older
children who can model leadership and academic skills.
***The above is sited from the document, “Combined Grades, Strategies to Reach a Range of Learners in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Ontario Ministry of Education