Elementary Gets a Makeover WAYS DEPARTMENTALIZATION IS WORKING FOR WESTVIEW
CHRISTINE REILLY
The mission of our school is to "provide a unique, specialized, and nurturing learning environment offering outstanding educational and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum." Westview's Lower and Upper Elementary have transitioned to a departmentalized approach this academic year. Each teacher now focuses on fewer subjects, and students rotate among these specialized educators on a daily basis. There are many benefits for teachers, students, and parents that we have seen so far. Teachers are empowered to utilize their specialized knowledge and tailor instruction for each student in a targeted manner. "I think one benefit of departmentalization is that it makes it easier to manage student groups by level when they switch classrooms as they change subjects," said Kenneth Choo, Upper Elementary Science and Drama teacher. "In the past, when students stayed in one room for most academic instruction, it was more challenging for the teacher to prepare suitable work for all levels in all subjects throughout the day." Students can learn in groups with similar learning styles as well as academic and social needs. In Language Arts and Reading, our approach involves working with small groups in order to provide each student with personalized learning materials, such as leveled readers that are aligned with their current reading level.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
Page-26 | Wildcat Chronicle
