There is no looping program in Blue Springs now, but Chapel Lakes Elementary is looking at it. Dolores Priddy, principal at Chapel Lakes, said school officials are talking with parents about the idea. Blue Springs does have a variation of looping with a multi-age classes at John Nowlin Elementary. The students have the same teachers for more than one year, but more than one gradelevel is in the classes. Johnston said before Oak Grove decided to start looping, she researched it through educational organizations.
Supporters point to many benefits.
Proponents also say teachers and students know each other better, teachers can get a feel for whether the first graders matured or gained educationally over the summer. Peggy Allen of Independence has four children. Her daughter Anna is a second grader at William Southern. Allen said looping helps create a better bond between the parents and teachers. Meyerstaught in a traditional classroom for about 15 years and now is in her third loop.