Parents’ views of composite classes in an Australian primary school |
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| Authors: | Linley Cornish |
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| Institution: | 1. University of New England, Australia
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| Abstract: | Parents of children in a large primary school in New South Wales were asked questions related to their attitudes towards and
beliefs about composite (multigrade) classes. Parental concerns about composite classes are commonly reported as negative
and this study confirmed this concern. Issues identified as causing concern for parents were a belief that some grades and
some children are more suited than others to being part of a composite class, position in the class (younger or older grade),
cohesion both within the class (class identity) and with grade peers in monograde classes (grade identity), perceived choice
(between composite and monograde classes) and selection bias. Selection of particular teachers and students for the composite
classes had both positive and negative effects — a positive effect on the composite class but a negative effect on the monograde
classes because of the removal of the good role models and the ‘best’ teachers. Many parents reported more favourable attitudes
after a positive experience with a composite class but not all such parents were prepared to indicate their support for composite
classes. |
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