Departmentalized or Self-Contained: The Changing Face of Elementary Schools' Grade Level Structures

• In Event: 29.091 - Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: 29.091-2 - Teacher Education Policy Poster Session

Abstract

This study explores school leaders’ beliefs and practices regarding a foundational aspect of elementary schools: the grade level organizational structure. Recent trends indicate a move away from child-centered, self-contained classrooms towards a more content-focused departmentalized structure. There is a paucity of literature on the topic, and virtually no empirical studies examining the rationale for, or outcomes of, this important educational decision exist. Preliminary findings suggest a myriad of reasons behind school leaders’ and classroom teachers’ decisions about grade level organizational structures and their perceptions of the outcomes of these decisions on all stakeholders. This continuum of responses suggests robust empirical studies of the impact of organizational structure on children academically, socially, and emotionally are needed to better inform school-based decisions.

Authors

• Audra Parker, George Mason University

• Lori Rakes, Florida Southern College

• Katie Arndt, University of South Florida