Evaluation of Departmentalized Instruction in Elementary Schools: Exploring Implementation Experiences. NCEE-2024-005r
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| Title: | Evaluation of Departmentalized Instruction in Elementary Schools: Exploring Implementation Experiences. NCEE-2024-005r |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Alison Wellington, Melissa Clark, Alyson Burnett, Susanne James-Burdumy, Libby Makowsky, Stacey Brockman, Dallas Dotter, Mariesa Herrmann, Hanley Chiang, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE) (ED/IES), Mathematica |
| Source: | National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. 2024. |
| Availability: | National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. Available from: ED Pubs. P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Tel: 877-433-7827; Web site: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 24 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Contract Number: | EDIES17C0064 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Grade 4 Intermediate Grades Grade 5 Middle Schools |
| Descriptors: | Teaching Methods, Departments, Educational Strategies, School Organization, Specialization, Curriculum Implementation, Teacher Attitudes, Elementary School Curriculum, Scheduling, Staff Utilization, Instructional Effectiveness, Outcomes of Education, Academic Achievement, Teacher Persistence, Longitudinal Studies, Units of Study, Grade 4, Grade 5 |
| Abstract: | Assigning upper elementary grade teachers to teach their strongest subjects to multiple classes ("departmentalizing"), rather than teaching all subjects to a single class, ("self-contained instruction") could mean more specialized instructional expertise in the classroom or focus for teacher planning time and professional development. This study examined the experiences of 90 schools that either voluntarily switched to departmentalized instruction for up to two years or continued with self-contained teaching in 4th and 5th grade classes beginning in fall 2019. The findings show that schools that switched were able to implement the key steps needed to departmentalize instruction but struggled with aspects of the approach. Teachers' reported experiences were consistent with some of both the benefits and challenges that prior research had hypothesized. Although the pandemic significantly disrupted instruction and the study activities, school and teacher experiences during this challenging time may inform schools and districts considering adopting departmentalized instruction. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| IES Funded: | Yes |
| IES Publication: | https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/2024005/ |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | ED656074 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Assigning upper elementary grade teachers to teach their strongest subjects to multiple classes ("departmentalizing"), rather than teaching all subjects to a single class, ("self-contained instruction") could mean more specialized instructional expertise in the classroom or focus for teacher planning time and professional development. This study examined the experiences of 90 schools that either voluntarily switched to departmentalized instruction for up to two years or continued with self-contained teaching in 4th and 5th grade classes beginning in fall 2019. The findings show that schools that switched were able to implement the key steps needed to departmentalize instruction but struggled with aspects of the approach. Teachers' reported experiences were consistent with some of both the benefits and challenges that prior research had hypothesized. Although the pandemic significantly disrupted instruction and the study activities, school and teacher experiences during this challenging time may inform schools and districts considering adopting departmentalized instruction. |
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