Lesson 3: Tier Organization

Objectives

Given samples, students will create a method for organizing flexible grouping within their classrooms.

Tasks

The learners will review websites regarding interventions and organization of students.

The learners will create an organization plan that will work for their grade level team including all critical aspects of consideration by utilizing a checklist.

The learners will review and comment on classmates' organization plan.

Learn

In order to incorporate flexible grouping across a team of 3 teachers it is important to have Block Scheduling. I recommend 60-75 minute blocks as being the ideal time frame.

Once the block is decided, students are tested with pre-assessments. Data is collected across the team and sorted by score, most likely using an excel document.

The the students are then divided into 3 tiers based on their pre-assessment scores, as well as teacher input about where students fit best. The split needs to be done with all team teachers together in a meeting in order to agree or disagree on the placement of children.

Tier 1 Intervention

Tier 2 GradeLevel

Tier 3 Enrichment

The three tiers should be given names. Some teams should be given creative names that would appeal to the age group of the children. For example, teachers in New England might want to name their teams after sports: Patriots, Bruins, Celtics.

Each teacher must decide which level of the tier they would like to begin teaching. Teachers should not be constant at on particular level. Switching levels after a set amount of time (for example: 3 units), helps to alleviate any stigma associated with the teacher and ability level and allows teachers to get to know all of the students in the team.

The first tier will be the smallest, this will be the intensive intervention group. They are the students with the lowest scores. It is clear they need a small class size, extra practice, hands on manipulatives, slower pacing, and one-on-one time with volunteers. Special education and Title 1 teachers are generally willing to push in and help with this level. Ask them for support, along with parent volunteers.

The second tier is the low-average to average group, and can be considered grade level. They are mostly on grade level and can accomplish work at a grade specific pace. The focus here will be covering the content and working on grade level problem solving skills. This is usually the largest group.

The third tier are students performing average-high and above grade level and can be considered the enrichment group. These students will work through the grade level work pretty quickly and with little assistance. This doesn't mean your job as the teacher is easier. You will be responsible for making them think more critically, gain deeper understanding, and receive enrichment beyond the grade level expectations.

Within these three tiers you will also be doing small group guided math so your students will be getting very focused instructions. They will have a group inside of a group.

To learn more about guided math you can view this video. What do you notice about the teaching methods the teacher uses in small groups vs large groups?

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IemfuBDS8b4

The classes will all cover the units in the same amount of time. Pre-assessments and the end of unit assessments will be given on the same dates. The differences between the tiers is the way the content is presented.

This system also incorporates the three their Response to Intervention model (RTI).

To gain further understanding of RTI you can watch this short video. Students in the top two levels of the triangle will most likely be in the "Intervention" group of the flexible grouping model.

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkK1bT8ls0M

Are you interested in upper grade levels? To learn more about math intervention at the high school level you can access this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5vDuzUwFIA

Create an organization plan that will work for you and your grade level team. Utilize the following checklist to ensure all critical aspects of consideration are included.

Share your plans in the discussion board.

Comment on your classmates' plans.

What's Next?

Go on to Lesson 4: Data Collection and Record Keeping - Lesson_4:_Data_Collection_and_Record_Keeping

Return to the Flexible Grouping Intro page - Flexible_Grouping