Parents as Partners
in the
Brandon School Division
Multilevel Learning Community
FAQ’s About the Mul level Classroom How long will my child be in the mul level classroom? In many communi es in Manitoba, mul level classrooms are common and span
from two or more grades in the same classroom. Some mul level classrooms are
made from necessity. Other communi es establish mul level classrooms because
of the advantages that they offer students and parents.
How can my child learn what is needed when there are other grades in the classroom? Students in mul level classrooms are assessed according to provincial outcomes.
This means that they are guided to set learning goals that meet their learning
needs, as well as curricular outcomes. Teachers guide students along their
learning journey as they work in groups and individual to study a broad topic with
that may address many subjects. Students work at their own level on different
projects about the same topic. They become independent together as they grow
in confidence, gain a deeper understanding from a wider age range of learners,
and develop skills and strategies. Grades become benchmarks for final
assessments at the end of a unit, term or school year.
How will learning in this classroom be challenging for my child?
Teachers in mul level classrooms design a range of learning experiences so that
students at every developmental level are challenged. Because different themes
rotate over the years, there is li le or no repe on of content. Experienced
students generally are independent learners and ready for more complex tasks.
Furthermore, in their last years (s) in mul level programming, students gain
valuable experience in exercising leadership and ac ng as mentors.
What if my child has a conflict with a teacher or peer and has to stay in this class for mul ple years? The mul level classroom may offer individuals the me to learn to understand
each other and work out any differences that might occur. Within a learning
community, conflicts are o en resolved as they are in everyday living because of
the respect and values that develop over me. In some cases, both par es may
need to agree on a plan to accept and respect each other.
In a mul level class my child will have fewer child their own age. What effect might this have? In the mul level classroom, students establish valuable friendships with children
of the same age as well as older and younger students. The fluid student make‐up
of the mul level classroom is some mes an advantage. Rather than being ed to
the same peer group for several years, students may gradually be introduced to
new classmates.
A er my child has had the same teacher in the mul level classroom for more than one year, what effect might there be when moving to a new classroom? Research shows that students in a mul level classroom tend to be more social
adept and more posi ve about school. These traits can equip students in dealing
with the challenges of a new classroom.
What will happen if we transfer to a new school during the me my child is in a mul level classroom? The learning of all Manitoba students is based upon the same learning outcomes,
regardless of whether they are in a mul level or single grade classroom. So
students may explore different topics from one classroom to another but the
learning outcomes are the same for all students. Students who move to new
classrooms will take examples of their learning with them such as por olios, and
goal sheets which provide powerful evidence of what they know and can do.
1031—6th Street, Brandon, MB
R7A 4K5
204‐729‐3100
www.bsd.ca