Moving Ahead with Multiage
Bluebonnet's K-1 Pilot Program
Where are We Now
The 2013-2014 school began with some significant changes occurring at Bluebonnet Elementary. The Mulitage Committee decided to support the development of an initial pilot classroom to model the multiage concepts. Karen Brininstool and Beth Hilsabeck were eager to begin the process of bringing the K-1 multiage classroom to Bluebonnet during the fall 2014-2015 school year.
Sample Curriculum Developed
Vertical alignment for all curriculum areas were studied and state standards were found common among both grade levels.
Cool with School Rules PBL
Students will learn about rules, laws and authority as they help their school develop safety rules for the classroom and campus.
Caution! Possible Danger Ahead PBL
Students conduct classroom and outdoor investigations following home and school safety procedures.
Developing an Understanding of Place Value
Students count, represent, compare and rider quantities and collections fluently.
Anticipated Professional Development
"Make sure teachers moving into multiage classes are properly trained. That's the caveat," he says. "If you are trained appropriately for a multiage classroom, there is an advantage for the kids..." Stephen Daeschner, superintendent of the Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Ky.
Lisa Cheek, Principal, Buckner Elementary, LaGrange KY, Speaker & Author
"Due to a more conscious effort with multiple levels, it automatically causes the teacher to be more thoughtful and intentional about planning and implementing differentiated instruction."
Northern Arizona University Southwest Multiage Conference
Conference topics will include:
- integration of coursework
- beginning Multiage programs: how to start?
- integrating music and arts in a standards-based world
- curriculum support for primary and intermediate multiage programs
- and much, much more!
Austin Discovery School
Students at ADS are taught how to learn by creating opportunities to engage students in meaningful educational opportunities that engage multiple subjects and build critical thinking skills.
Parent Outreach
Our goal in making our students' classroom placement decisions is to create the best possible learning environment for every student. To order to meet this goal we believe in:
- Providing an informational night with a Q & A session that will provide our community with the important information they need to understand the principles behind a multiage classroom.
- Providing both single-setting and multiage options for K-1 students.
- Valuing parent input concerning child's placement.
Cultivating an Environment of Change
We believe by creating environmental changes to our current spaces we will add to the uninhibited, learning and flexible grouping that needs to occur in a multiage classroom.
Moving Ahead with Multiage Begins Today - Thank you!
Lana Fisher, Principal Bluebonnet Elementary
Email: fisherld@lisd.net
Tami Braun, Assistant Principal Bluebonnet Elementary
Email: braunt@lisd.net
Karen Brininstool, Kindergarten Bluebonnet Elementary
Email: brininstoolk@lisd.net
Beth Hilsabeck, 1st grade Bluebonnet Elementary
Email: hilsabecke@lisd.net