Can/should a classroom teacher initiate a multiage classroom?
At the very least, the decision to create one or more multiage classrooms must be a school based decision with the informed support and approval of the district office. Implementation should only take place after considerable study and preparation by all those who will be involved including parents. The literature generally suggests a lead up period of two years. However, teachers who find themselves in an enforced combined classroom due to a decline in enrolment (traditionally referred to as a multi-grade classroom) can begin the process of moving in the direction of multiage by adopting some multiage approaches where and when feasible.
