self=contained vs. departmentalization

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Home : 2003 : June : 7

self=contained vs. departmentalization
By Sue W

I taught in self contained classrooms for over 10 years then switched to 1/2 time sharing a classroom position at second and third grade levels each for several years. The half time situation worked a bit like departmentilization
as far as the kids were affected. The morning half took care of reading/ language arts/ spelling. The afternoon was devoted to math, science, social studies, health.
Kids reacted well. It was not difficult for them to adjust at two adults as long as basic rules were compatible.Many are already used to having a different teacher for music or P.E. A few parents were concerned

at first but we could explain that this way there were 2 concerned, capable people involved with their children. Many times if a child had a problem in one area or with one teacher we could share ideas from two different perspectives and help each other out. Some kids would like one teacher better than the other. We could be supportive of each other. We didn't let it become an issue. Personally, beyond the reduced plannning I think the chance to work closely with another adult is a true benefit. At first I was hesitant about giving up control of "my class", but the positives outweighed the negatives.