Eastern Elementary teachers Jane Boerema and Julie Clark find dividing students into age groups often unnecessary. Boerema and Clark lead the multiage class, or MAC, the only of its kind in the district. Students work together in small, multiage groups for much of the day, separating into grade levels for subjects such as math.
Students stay in the program for three years, first through third grades.
Returning students make the MAC a kind of family, Boerema and Clark said. Children who have spent time in the class familiarize new students with the program. Students learn to make presentations, both as individuals and as part of groups, to the entire MAC family. She started the MAC, now in its third year, to give students experience they would not get in straight grade classes. We work with people who are different ages and have different interests and abilities.