Parents of children in a large primary school in New SouthWales 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.
Current research on gifted English language learners (gifted ELLs) is broadly centered on identification issues and investigations of underrepresentation in gifted programs mainly in schools in the United States and referencing predominantly Spanishspeaking students. Australia presents itself as a multicultural nation, yet limited research exists as to what it knows about its particular gifted ELL populations and ways of supporting them when they enter Australian schools. A review of the current literature examines existing research in the United States and explores the findings from Australian studies. Some suggestions for future research in both local and global contexts are offered. Keywords gifted students, Australia, English as a second language, English language learners Research indicates that in the last three decades, the general themes found in the literature on gifted and talented education have tended to revolve around multiple dimensions, including conceptualization, identification, special provision, and evaluation
Promoting student agency is an emerging priority in education. Supervisory teaching is a potentially useful approach for supporting agency development. This approach includes two characteristics, namely, tutorial learning conversations between the teacher and a group of one to four students, and students learning independently for extended periods of time. Supervisory teaching lessons in three primary-school classrooms were observed over a period of five months and teachers were interviewed as part of the data collection process. Five key factors were found to support students to have more agency in their learning: independence and ownership, scaffolding, students as teachers, joyfulness, and reflection. The findings point toward several factors observed within supervisory teaching that led to greater student agency, including individualised learning conversations, allowing students control over their learning, the benefit of reduced structure in the learning environment, and the fact that joyfulness in learning is a significant factor in elevating student agency.
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