Principal Pam Moore said no one knows whether Rose's students do well because they have a good teacher or because they stayed with her an additional year. Whatever the case, Moore and seven of the teachers at her school are sold on the concept. They signed on in 1999 after one teacher there started the program. The teaching method, one that keeps a teacher and class together for two or three years, has been embraced by elementary schools in Pinellas. The school district doesn't know, though, how many of its 82 elementary schools use the strategy, said Elaine Cutler, director of the county's elementary schools.
Most schools loop their students for two years.
Bauder Elementary School in Seminole also does it for three years and gives students the opportunity to have only two teachers for six grades. The trend has spread across the country, as well, as school districts feel the pressure to boost student achievement. When students and a teacher build a relationship, they have a commitment to each other. Looping also gives teachers more face time with students, alleviates anxiety about school and creates a family atmosphere in the classroom. When students arrive at school the second year, teachers don't have to waste any time getting to know them, their strengths and weaknesses, or their families.