Departmentalized, Self-Contained, or Team-Teaching: Teachers' Perceptions on the Impact of Grade-Level Organization

• In Event: 54.037 - Investigating Teacher Preparation, Professional Development, and Evaluation

Abstract

In phase 2 of this study we explored elementary teachers’ perceptions on K-5 grade level organization (departmentalized, team-teaching, and self-contained) in one district in the southeastern United States. Findings reveal that teachers have different views as to how the various structures impact them, students, and parents. With workload and developing subject “expertise” as the main reasons for departmentalizing at the elementary level, teachers are divided in their perceptions of how the various structures impact students. However, most teachers agree that parents of elementary school children feel more comfortable when their child is in a self-contained classroom. This long-term study will help stake-holders understand the impact of grade level structures on teachers, parents, and students.

Authors

• Lori Rakes, Florida Southern College

• Audra Parker, George Mason University

• Katie Arndt, University of South Florida