I was departmentalized in the early 80s with the high, medium, low groups for reading and math. (first-sixth). This was horrible and did not work very well. Now we departmentalize, but for subject areas, in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade. It still does not work well, in my opinion, because of time lost with scheduling around everyone's special classes. (art, music, library. P. E., etc.) It is great for the teachers because they prepare for only one/two subjects. Yet they may have 65-70 papers to grade and that many students to get to know well. Thanks, Ruth DeVoll Title One Mesquite isd
On 2/12/09 8:56 AM, "Renee" <[email protected]> wrote: I think there is actually a lot of research on this, but it's not that easy to find. A few years ago I sent away for some information that arrived as a very large packet. As I recall, I had to pay for it but it wasn't much. I will try to look for it this weekend, as it is out in my garage and I am on my way to work. Basically, the gist is, the high kids stay the same, the low kids get lower. In other words, departmentalizing tends to widen the achievement gap. Yeah, that works. But.... I agree with Jan Sanders. Go back and reread her post. Anyone who suggests that departmentalizing is good for elementary school students is in denial. This is a practice that makes teaching easier for teachers, period. And.... not really. Again, read Jan's words about "the low group." Anyone who says they are interested in classroom community and/or cross-curricular teaching, who says they believe that subjects are interconnected, who wants to make connections, and supports departmentalization, is fooling themselves. Renee (who just had a birthday, is now old, and has given herself permission to pretend she is Shirley MacLaine in "Steel Magnolias") On Feb 11, 2009, at 10:47 AM, [email protected] wrote: > Well, you could start by reminding them to use their common sense and > what they know about chuld development! > Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel > > -----Original Message----- > From: Delores Gibson <[email protected]> > > Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:35:24 > To: <[email protected]> > Subject: [MOSAIC] departmentalization > > > Does anyone have and/or know of where I can go to find > research on departmental teaching for FIRST GRADE? Some of > the teachers want to seen six year olds from room to room > (switch classes) for reading and math. I'm opposed because I > believe strongly in self-contained classroom for first grade. > Instead of just doing it because it might be easier I > can't get anyone to tell me what research supports or does > not support this for first grade. HELP!!!! > Dee Deep down we must have real affection for each other, a clear realization or recognition of our shared human status. At the same time, we must openly accept all ideologies and systems as a means of solving humanity's problems. One country, one nation, one ideology, one system is not sufficient. ~ The Dalai Lama _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
