My 6 grader had been put in 5-6th combo class.I'm really concern about inferior attention or teaching level. ?

Question

Because 1 same teacher has to teach 2 different grades level at the same time, is it possible to teach the whole required 5th grade or 6th grade materials to both grades ?

Are there any criteria or requirements for the combo class teacher to have ?

Answer 1

I did 3rd grade in a 3rd and 4th grade combo class many moons ago and still remember my teacher Ms Fern Ruth very fondly and as a strict teacher who taught us a lot of stuff.  I entered 4th grade very well prepared and did not hurt me at all.  As a matter of fact, we little ones became close friends with the big kids.  All this in a completely bilingual setting in the "jungles" of Honduras!!

Answer 2

get over it your concerns are for nothing

Answer 3

I could write a book on the downside for split grades or combo grades as you call them.  Yes, it's possible to teach the whole required 5th grade or 6th grade materials to both grades.  Yes, the criteria and requirements for a combo class teacher are the same as those of a straight grade class.

Unfortunately due to continuous budget cutbacks  split classes are here to stay.  For the 5th grader child who is able to work independently and catches on quickly, being in a "combo" class with grade 6 students should not prove to be a problem.  It could even prove to be an advantage since children learn at different rates.  For the 6th grader it is important that they be able to work independently too.  

There are many creative strategies good teachers are able to use to make sure each student is getting a quality education.  Remember too that, not all subjects have to be taught independently.  Math is a good example.  It can be taught in such way that learning outcomes can be addressed whether the students are being taught as separate grades or together.

But the reality is, class composition has changed a lot over the years.  There are more special needs students, ESL students, students with behavior issues per class than a few years ago.  All of these demand more of the teacher's time and attention.  Students will be expected to work more independently and get less of the teacher's one on one attention.

I am not saying that a child will get a poorer education being in a spit but I do have serious concerns for children who do not catch on quickly, or when English is their second language, or they have learning disabilities.  The outside classroom support is simply just not adequate.

The reality is that teachers are facing social issues and teaching challenges more so today than ever before.  These social issues (parents divorced, both parents working, family values eroded etc) translate into behavioral issues in the classroom.  This requires more of the teacher's time- time that could be devoted to other students' learning needs.  There are only so many minutes in a day.  In my opinion educators are doing the best they can under the circumstances.  

Now before you go rushing to the teacher and the administration demanding that your child be placed in a straight grade class know that they have done their best to put your child in the best learning situation possible.  

The best thing I would do if I were you is to keep in regular contact with your child's teacher, be aware of what your child's progress is regularly and show your child's teacher that you are there to support both the school and the teacher in every way you can.  Also make sure that you are pro-active when it comes to making sure your child gets the homework assignments done regularly and handed in on time.