Participation in the program was voluntary and students were selected randomly. Classrooms have about an equal number of ages, boys and girls, range of abilities, and are linguistically balanced. In addition, the classes include special needs children. The multiage teachers teach all subjects. Theme teaching is used and students decide on the themes.
Teachers then build curriculum around what interests their students.
Also, the multiage groups do many large group projects. Since this is a skills-based, continuous progress program, there are no report cards. Developmental progress updates are issued. Updates are completed by both the student and their teachers. When beginning a multiage program, Sandy Paben recommends spending the first four to six weeks of the school year setting the stage for the youngsters.