School to Community Connection
January 16, 2002

Issue 16

Combined Grade Classes

Nearly every child in our school district - if not in California - will be a student in a combined grade class at some time in their education. A combined grade class is one in which two (or more) grades are taught in one classroom. The reason for revisiting this configuration from schoolhouse days is usually the need for compliance with the Class Size Reduction law.

When the state of California adopted the Class Size Reduction law, classes were limited to 20 students in order for maximum learning to take place. With their voluntary participation in the Class Size Reduction program, schools were given additional funding. If classes exceed 20 students when districts have agreed to participate in CSR, they lose their funding. But classes smaller than 16-17 students don't earn enough money in "average daily attendance" funding to make them financially feasible.

Unfortunately, students don't come to schools in neat groups of 20 at each grade level. Hence there are a variety of combined (or multi-) graded classes in each elementary school. Students in these classes are taught the curriculum of their grades, just like any other class. The teaching is not simplified, nor are the grades united. The school has a responsibility to teach the California educational standards to each child. These classes are no exception. If your child is in a combined grade class this year, please be assured that his/her education is not being compromised. Instead, be proud that your child was considered an independent learner and therefore a good candidate for successful participation in a multi-graded class. This means that while the children of one grade are being instructed by the teacher, your child and the others in his/her grade, are capable of following the directions, staying focused and remembering the teaching they have just had, in order to complete their work without constant monitoring. Combined grade teaching will be with us for as long as we have the Class Size Reduction law.

It is an opportunity for students to learn to work co-operatively, to make friends with children in other grades, to understand the importance of patience (instead of "me, me, me"). And combined grade teaching is highly successful - especially when given support by parents and administrators. Special praise goes to teachers who are instructing two grades simultaneously. If your children are in their classes I hope you will show your support as well by volunteering in the classroom or supporting them at home. It is up to us to insure that they - and every other class - are win - win situations!

By Pat Louvau