Making of the Mural
Every John Eaton class uses “Flexible Groups” to meet the individual needs of all students. Small group instruction, especially in math and reading, enable students to demonstrate specific needs and teachers to effectively respond to those needs. The small groups are called “Flexible Groups” because students move between groups depending on their specific need and/or learning style.
Flexible Groups are not limited to the student’s classroom. For example, all second graders are placed into smaller groups across the entire grade. A student may have a Flexible Group led by a second grade teacher (or resource teacher) who is not their primary classroom teacher. Our math and reading resource teachers play an integral part in this model supplementing Flexible Groups across each grade level.
A great deal of planning and collaboration has gone into the development of Flexible Group model. We developed this model based on the following:
- Continuous teacher observation of all students
- Authentic assessments developed by the teachers for all students
- STARS assessment data (Grades K-5)
- Student work produced by all students.
We also analyze DC BAS benchmark assessment data for grades 3-5 to inform Flexible Group instruction as well.
John Eaton students are challenged and achieve success in these Flexible Groups. Teachers consider various learning styles and incorporate the appropriate teaching methods to respond to those different styles. They use technology, manipulatives, movement and other techniques, for example, to help children master the subject area.