combined grades

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combined grades
By Melanie Wilken

I have taught combined grade special ed classes for the past five years. I have found that these classes vary according to the school in which you teach. For instance, in one school in which I had extremely low functioning
4th and 5th graders and no textbooks, I was advised to teach the modified curriculum for the grade level for which I had more students. This worked to some degree because the students were so far below grade level.
In the school where I currently teach, I am required to teach both the 4th and 5th grade curriculums. Last year it was not as difficult because my 4th graders

were all mainstreamed for science and social studies so I only had to teach 5th graders for those subjects. This year, I will have to teach both grade levels of those subjects. I plan to alternate my days with each grade level. For example, you can teach science to 4th grade while your aide does a science review worksheet from the previous day's lesson with your fifth graders.
As for math and reading, you can divide the students into groups and work with one group while the other group does independent classwork, etc. I don't divide reading and math groups according to age but rather according to ability. You will find that most students with disabilities have weaknesses in math and reading so whatever curriculum you are given for the grade level, it will have to be modified anyway.
I have never taught a MS 5 class (what state do you teach in?) but in NYC a MIS 5 class is for students with fairly severe disabilities. You will probably have at least one aide in the classroom but probably more. Kindergarten and first grade students in that type of class will probably be functioning on a Pre-K level. Good luck with your first year and feel free to e-mail me at any time. I may even be able to find someone else who has taught your type of class. Hope this was helpful!