Routledge Understanding Multiage Education

Presenting a compelling case for changing our system of education from a graded, curriculum-centered approach to a multiage, child-centered approach, Understanding Multiage Education is a comprehensive exploration of the philosophy and foundations of multiage education. Veteran educators Stone and Burriss examine the "why" of multiage education, exploring how multiage classrooms' structure, environment, strategies, and assessments unfold and complement the multiage philosophy and pedagogy. Delineating the differences between a standard and a mixed-age approach, each chapter features Inside Insights, short vignettes, case studies, examples of multiage in practice and discussion questions challenging readers to engage with the core concepts and examine how we might define success in a multiage classroom. Designed for graduate-level students of early childhood, elementary, and general education courses, as well as experienced practitioners, this is an essential guide for anyone interested in understanding the rationale, implementation, and benefits of multiage education. Review "This is a brilliant book that makes the important case for the fostering of multiage education. Thoughtfully written, well-researched, insightful, practical, and making clear the dialectical interweaving of theory and practice, Stone and Burriss provide a text that will be enormously useful for teacher educators, practitioners, and policy-makers. In short, this book will stand out as the go-to-text in the growing multiage education literature."― James D. Kirylo, University of South Carolina, USA "The authors give a comprehensive and persuasive argument for changing both the philosophy and practice of the present American schools to their preferred model of multiage education. They compare multiage education practice and results to presently pervasive educational models (graded Skinnerian-influenced and Montessori influenced) and give many examples of ways that well-designed multiage education can be effective for children at all educational age levels. Their ideas suggest perspectives on how to foster better educational experiences in these challenging times." ― Doris Bergen, Miami University, USA "Stone and Burriss have written the quintessential guide to multiage education; showing that this concept means so much more than simply having a mix of grade levels in the same classroom. Rather, the authors situate multiage learning as part of a broader framework for a sound, compassionate, and highly effective form of education for young children. Bold and persuasive, this highly recommended text is sure to inform and inspire―and is just what is needed in today’s educational environment." ― Patricia A. Crawford, University of Pittsburgh, USA "Stone and Burriss present compelling evidence for multiage education to become the shared vision of educators, parents, policy makers – everyone who cares about children. This important book is a must-read call to action to join those schools already transformed and thriving with the child-centered multiage approach. Readers come away informed, hopeful, and energized to take action to realize the promise of schools fit for all children to flourish." ― Katherine Becker, Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada About the Author Sandra J. Stone is Professor Emeritus and founder of the National Multiage Institute at Northern Arizona University, USA. Kathleen G. Burriss is Professor at Middle Tennessee State University, USA.