Tips for Implementation
Following are some broad tips for starting a school with a grade span new to a K-12 system, reorganizing the grade configuration of an existing school, or revamping an existing program:
- Read grade-configuration literature (see "References" section) while keeping in mind that sound educational practices are more important than grade span
- Visit or call other schools with the same configuration for information sharing about what works and what doesn't
- Consider what configuration fits best with community geography and values
- Be aware of developmental differences or similarities between students at different grade levels when developing curriculum, scheduling, and behavioral expectations; also consider how building layout and staff interests and training might best dovetail with these developmental characteristics
- Develop articulation and transition activities between schools in the K-12 sequence
The list of questions on pages 10-11 suggests the types of issues schools should examine when contemplating any sort of grade-span actions.
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