Characteristics
Characteristics
The following chart, based on information from Fox (1997), Anderson & Pavan (1993), and the American Association of School Administrators (1992), summarizes the common characteristics of multiage programs:
| Multiage Is: | Multiage Is Not: |
| Heterogeneous mix of children. | Ability grouping. |
| Flexible grouping patterns based on the needs of the class. | Based on rigid ability groups or age/grade groups (children of different ages being instructed differently according to age or grade). |
| Teacher directed, child centered. Teacher as facilitator. |
Unguided play. |
| Supportive of continuous learning. | Retention/promotion. |
| Developmentally appropriate teaching practices focused on the understanding of major concepts and methods of inquiry and the learning process, and integrated curriculum. | Lock-step curriculum focused on mastery of skills and content knowledge. |
| Active, cooperative student learning. | Work time where children are expected to complete seatwork independently. |
| Authentic assessment. | Assessment based on tests and standardized measurements. |
| Individualized reporting system. | Comparative reporting system typically based on letter grades: ABCDF. |
| Varied instructional strategies. | Instruction focused solely on one method or learning style. |
