Answers:
I've taught sixth grade in a middle school and an elementary school. From my experience, the students in the elementary school were better able to follow directions and stay on task, even though the ability levels of the kids wasn't really different. To answer the previous question, it is a big concern. I think the way to make K-6 work is to bring the older kids in as tutors. When they have the chance to build relationships with the younger students, they are more likely to be good role models.
Here's a link to an interesting news story about this very question:
http://www.newsobserver.com/146/story/54...
Not sure how to answer since you did not ask a question. I have found that having 7 & 8 grades in with elementary or separated is determined by two factors. First is area tradition. The second is size. As long as the enrollment does not make the school too large, they leave them with the elementary. If enrollment increases too much, then separating them is a way of solving the over crowding problem.
I'm a Teacher in grades K through 5, and I think grade 6 should be in Middle School. Every morning and afternoon as all the kids are flocking in and out of school--I get so irritated when those 5th graders talk loud about inappropriate things in front of the kindergarten and 1st grade kids..These 6th grade kids have lost their innocence as they are exposed to MTV and every reality show in the world. They are savvy about sex. I even scolded a 5th garde boy for using a hotdog to simulate sex in the lunchroom..Age 13 and 14 are no longer innocent "kids" at all. Many of them have had sex and even smoked weed. They dont need to be around the little 1st and 2nd graders with all their nonsense and BS. Wake up man, those 14 year old kids are doing the exact same thing you were doing at 14--but when I was 14 all I did was come home, do homework, and eat chips on the couch. I dont know why parents have this pristine view of their kids.
I truely believe that 6 thru 8 should be in a middle school. It teaches the kids about new environments. It teaches them they dont have the same teacher for all subjects. It teaches them how to behave independantly. It does not shelter them for their first 9 years of school. The kids in a k -8 school will be lost when they enter a high school. They wont have the social skills, the independance, the abilty to move freely in the halls.
The elementary schools should be k - 5
The middle schools should be 6 - 8
then of course your high school.
This article contents is post by this website user, EduQnA.com doesn't promise its accuracy.
More Questions & Answers...