Split Classes in Elementary School — How Well Do They Work?

[Gail Copeland]

I'm curious what people have to say about split classes. At my son's school in York Region (we're in Thornhill) all but two of the classes this year are splits. A number of parents are quite disturbed by this situation, as they feel their kids will not get enough attention from the teacher. They are particularly concerned about those students who don't get things on the first pass and who might need to ask questions so that they can get clarification to help them understand what's going on. If the teacher can't/won't take the time to answer those questions or spend some extra time with given students, those students get lost and fall behind. I know it's an old story, but split classes can make things that much worse. I've been fortunate so far in that my son has had no difficulties in the two splits he's been in two years in a row; others have not shared my good luck.

I know that there's no way around the time constraints that splits impose upon teachers, especially given that they have to teach each grade's entire curriculum over the course of the academic year. Some teachers manage this juggling act better than others, and at my son's school, although the teachers have been given instruction in how to teach splits, not all of them have much experience with splits, and even after having received the training, not all of them do a good job teaching splits.

I am also aware of all the supposed reasons for why we have so many splits in York Region, especially in areas with declining enrollment (which includes my part of Thornhill). What is so frustrating for the concerned parents at our school is the fact that neither the Board nor the school administration is willing to acknowledge the legitimacy of those parents' concerns. The gist of their response has been, thank-you for raising the issue but we're not going to even begin to address it, just go away and leave us alone to do our own thing as we please. (Granted, that's the impression I've been getting from what I've heard as I've not been directly involved in approaching either the Board or the school on this issue.)

I know that it takes work to make splits work. What experience have others had with the quality of education that their kids have received in split classes? Other than my own voice, are there words of encouragement that I can take back to my neighbours?

[Jacqui Strachan]

Hi Gail,

You have touched on an issue that concerns a lot of parents across the province. The hard cap on class sizes has resulted in an increased number of split grades in many schools. Those darned children just don't seem to come demographically allocated into groups of twenty! :-)

The good news is that it is not all bad news. The limited research that has been done on split grades has shown very little difference in academic achievement between those students in split grades vs. those in straight grades, although there is evidence that the workload is heavier for the teacher.

Schools try hard to have a balance of students in each class, whether it is a split or a straight grade. This is one area where research has shown that a good mix is better for all students in the class - academically inclined and older students provide good role models, integrating special education and ESL students encourages acceptance of diversity, etc.

There are pros and cons regarding split grades, and while some parents and staff really like them, others are concerned about whether the curriculum can be covered properly. When my son was put in a split grade 4/5 class, I was very worried about it, and spoke to the teacher. She was able to alleviate my concerns by explaining some of the advantages to having a split grade. One of the biggest is that the teacher starts the year already familiar with half of her students. Those students know the classroom routine, expectations, and teaching style. The teacher has the advantage of knowing where half the class is re. abilities, strengths, weaknesses, behavioural issues, etc. My son's teacher told me that in a regular class, it can sometimes take several weeks to get into actual instruction, because those first weeks are spent assessing and organizing students, reviewing material, and getting them into the routine. In a split class, she can start into the program in half the time, so that covering the required curriculum is easier to do.

Sometimes, problems with split grades develop when they are not structured properly. The idea is that the instruction is to be spread out over the two years, so kids who are in a split grade should remain in the same class with the same teacher for both years. If students change classes or schools, they may miss out on some material.

Another parent had this to say about split grades:
"I think a really important question is whether the classes were implemented in this way by design (some schools in the public system - like the one my kids attended - are designed specifically around multi-age groupings). Many of the problems are when neither teachers, parents, nor students are prepared for a split grade situation and it is often done badly. When it happens by design there can be many advantages.

So, as you can see, there isn't a simple answer to this issue. Further research needs to be done to assess the impact of split grades on students of different abilities and backgrounds, the challenge of teaching the tougher new curriculum in split grades, teacher stress and workload, etc. before we can say definitively that they are good or bad. It may help to talk to your classroom teacher to find out more about their strategies for teaching the split grade.

I hope this helps!
Jacqui

[Gay Stephenson]

I just came across this article from Todays Parent about split grades. We also talk about how there is research on both sides of the argument in our class size and split grades chapter of the Annual Report on Schools. Hope this helps too!

[Sue]

Hi Gail,
My daughter attends public school in TDSB, She is currently in grade five, in a 4/5 split. She has been in split classes from Jk right through to grade 3. Parents were informed that teachers teaching a split class must teach both curriculums. While in the JK/Sk splits as well as in the !/2 splits she was fortunate enough to have strong teachers and they taught both curriculums. I am however having a problem this year. She is bringing home grade four work that she already did last year. I spoke to the teacher and was told how difficult it is if not impossible to teach a split. I alos spoke to the Principal and was told they have to teach both grades. So you see I am faced with the same problem and I know how difficult it is when the board, the teacher and administration can't see how this affects the children. I know I haven't helped much, but be sure to order a copy of the curriculum so you and the other parents can see what the expectations are and check the report card to make sure the expectations for their grade has been met. I have had a lot of luck with our School Trustee, I suggest the parents go that route!
Good Luck