Abstract/Notes: The Portland Chapter 1 Early Childhood Education Program is one of three arrangements in the district to offer education for preschool children. Together, the programs enrolled 1,500 students during 1986-87. Although there are some differences among programs, the one located at Kenton School is typical of most. It consists of 3 classrooms, each holding a morning and an afternoon session of 2.5 hours each, with each session having the capacity for 20 students. Each classroom is staffed with a certified teacher and an aide. Other professional staff who were involved included the principal, program coordinator, speech therapist, and community agent. Program costs amounted to approximately 2,000 dollars per year per child. The curriculum covered language, math, small and large motor functions, art and music, and personal and social development. Program activities alternated between large and small group contexts, with student movement around the classroom quite unrestricted except during direct instruction. Many of the techniques replicated those of the Headstart Program and the Montessori method. Data obtained via a rating form containing a large sample of the skills taught in the seven skill areas and via follow-up of children who completed the program indicate that the program helps children master skills and that replication of the program across years has been consistent. Evaluation instruments are appended. (TJH)

Language: English

Published: Portland, Oregon, Aug 1987

Abstract/Notes: This volume presents case studies of 10 ungraded primary programs. Also discussed are the obstacles, accomplishments, advantages, and disadvantages of ungraded primary programs experienced by the faculties of these schools; their recommendations for future implementation; and the literature on multi-age grouping and ungraded primary programs. Case studies were used to: (1) illustrate concepts, procedures, and materials being used by schools that had initiated ungraded primary programs; (2) provide contact information for these schools so that other educators could call on them for assistance; and (3) assess commonalities in effective ungraded primary programs. Each case study of an ungraded primary program describes the philosophy and goals, and program background and implementation. Each program's practices regarding grouping and organization, curriculum and instruction, student assessment, and remediation and enrichment, are described. In addition, the teacher's role, the

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C., Apr 1991

Abstract/Notes: In June 1990, the state of Kentucky passed its innovative Education Reform Act, which totally restructured the finance, governance, and curriculum of its public schools. One of the major provisions of the act was the mandate for Kentucky's primary schools to change from the traditional placement of children of the same age in kindergarten, first, second, and third grades to the placement of youngsters in multi-age, multi-ability classrooms. The resulting primary program recognizes that children grow and develop as a "whole," not one dimension at a time or at the same rate in each dimension. The instructional practices of the primary program address social, emotional, physical, aesthetic, and cognitive needs. The program flows naturally from preschool programs and exhibits developmentally appropriate practices. The philosophy of the primary program stresses a classroom climate that is non-competitive and encourages children to learn from one another as well as from the teachers. The

Language: English

Published: Frankfort, Kentucky, 1993

Abstract/Notes: This paper describes a summer remedial program for third- and fifth-grade students administered by Valdosta State University in Georgia. The program utilizes a multi-age, multi-ability, thematic, and full-inclusion approach. Assessment of the program was based on data collected through interviews with 18 students and a survey of 28 parents. Both groups reported that they enjoyed the program. The high level of student involvement and students' descriptions of the program as "fun" validated the program's hands-on approach. The following recommendations are made for the education of K-7 students: (1) use a hands-on approach to increase student involvement; (2) develop different avenues for parent involvement; (3) incorporate the thematic approach into the instructional process; and (4) consider alternative classroom designs in meeting students' needs. Copies of the interview guide and survey are included.

Language: English

Published: Valdosta, Georgia, Jun 1994

Abstract/Notes: This study is the third annual study of primary program implementation in Kentucky elementary schools. This research project is one of six studies conducted in 1995 to determine the extent Kentucky schools and educators had implemented educational technology. In June, 1990, the Kentucky legislature passed the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), mandating restructuring of Kentucky educational system. A controversial aspect of the legislation is the requirement for all of Kentucky's elementary schools to become non-graded, multi-age, multi-ability primary schools by the fall of 1993. In this study, observations were collected in a random sample of 24 primary schools in eight regional service areas in the state, selecting four teachers in each school for observation. Observers were trained to use the Primary Program Component Configuration Map. Teachers rated the level of support for implementation of the primary program. Results include: (1) wide variation from teacher to teacher in

Language: English

Published: Frankfort, Kentucky, Aug 1995

Language: English

ISSN: 1470-8647