In my Harvard Application #2 I talked about a system that would allow students to be grouped by the teacher’s specialty—a system flexible enough to accommodate multiage grouping as well as teacher’s ability to continue with students for longer than a year.

The Arizona Republic just published an article about Mingus Springs Charter School that groups students by four ability groups—not traditionally by age and grade—and reports improvements for both teachers and students:

“‘By grouping students by ability rather than age, we're better able to respond to the student's needs,’ Principal Dawn Gonzales said. ‘Research shows that multiage classrooms can be beneficial to academic achievement.’

“This structure promotes collaboration and friendships across age groups that create a unique community. Older students have an opportunity to become role models and to reinforce their own understanding through teaching. Younger students get to preview concepts they'll study later. Each student can move ahead at his or her own pace.

“At Mingus Springs, younger students spend two years with the same teacher, allowing the teacher to have a greater understanding of the students' learning style.

“‘I enjoy the creativity that this type of curriculum offers,’ said Susan Romney, a Level 2 teacher. ‘The instruction is much more meaningful for students as well as teachers.’”