An elementary school teacher offers guidelines for enlisting the cooperation of both the child and the parents when retention is necessary. (Editor/SJL)

A fourth-grade teacher explains how she began planning for retention possibilities as soon as the Fall achievement test results became available by notifying parents immediately, working with them throughout the school year to help their failing children, and involving them in the promotion/nonpromotion decision. (SJL)

Outlines a year-long approach to monitoring student progress and soliciting help from parents and pupil personnel staff when learning problems develop. (SJL)

Suggests ways the classroom teacher can spot learning problems in the earliest grades and work with other staff and parents to intervene. (SJL)

This guide is designed for elementary school teachers to assist them in developing multi-age classrooms as part of their school restructuring efforts. Each of six sections presents a story from teachers who describe the challenges and joys of multi-age teaching, from parent backlash to school district support and praise. Section 1, "Step by…