Multiage appreciation

School Administrator, June, 2005 by Ann Marie Oliverio

Priscilla Pardini's informative report on multiage education ("The Slowdown of the Multiage Classroom," March 2005) couldn't have been stated more aptly.

My school's multiage program in western New York has been in existence for seven years, and I feel as though a lot of the comments made in her story came from my own head and experience. We have been battling standards, administrators, state testing, NCLB, parents and, most importantly, our colleagues through much of that time.

What a breath of fresh air to read positive feedback about multiage programs from notable researchers and administrators. It is a nice affirmation.

Best of all, it was my administrator who read Pardini's article first, then gave it to me to read with highlighted points. This may be a positive turning point.

ANN MARIE OLIVERIO

Multiage Teacher Grades 1-3,

Lewiston-Porter Primary Education Center,

Youngtown, N. Y.