tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21905243.post3117523400932594512..comments2024-01-22T02:23:31.323-08:00Comments on Bronwyn Harris, Author: Subbing for the Middle ClassBronwyn http://www.blogger.com/profile/00665152623001702024noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21905243.post-76561597457271143242009-03-06T14:54:00.000-08:002009-03-06T14:54:00.000-08:00The problem is not the combination class, it's the...The problem is not the combination class, it's the curriculum and the way we think about these things--bounded, defined, grade-level. <BR/><BR/>I have always found it ridiculous that such a thing as "grade level" even exists. As if every child in every classroom in America is preprogrammed with what concepts become accessible to them on what day.<BR/><BR/>My experience has been that in even a single-grade classroom, a teacher should expect an ability range of five years, at minimum. Add gifted or other exceptional students, and that can easily double.<BR/><BR/>The solution, in my opinion, is to empower the teacher in two ways. First, teachers should have the freedom to determine the curriculum as they see fit, based on assessment and culture of the classroom. Second, the teachers should be sufficiently trained and experienced in differentiated teaching strategies so that each student can get what they need, even if it is different from the kid sitting next to them.LindsayDaytonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730998213096234122noreply@blogger.com