The graded self-contained classrooom can be a negative influence on student and teacher development. Teachers and students should work together in collaborative relationships and in environments featuring nongradedness, multiaged pupil groups, and flexible shared space. (MD)

Studies have criticized age-graded schools as creating a barrier to meeting the goals of equity and instructional excellence in schools. This handbook provides research on multiage classroom practices and argues that a multiage system better addresses and meets students' needs. Information is presented on the following topics: educational reform,…