Page 3 Students First Royall uses FLEX to promote maximum learning In order to effectively reach all learners, teachers at Royall use a variety of differentiation strategies. One of the strategies that teachers employ is flexible grouping. Flexible grouping techniques are designed to accommodate the needs of individual students by specifically targeting their learning style, readiness, and interests. This is done by utilizing whole class instruction, small groups, or by working with a partner. Flexible grouping at Royall, called FLEX, is utilized in grades 1 and 2 and includes additional support from the Literacy Coach, Instructional Technology Specialist, Enhanced Learner Interventionist, Librarian, Primary Plus Assistants and our Reading Recovery Teacher. These experts come together to plan for meaningful and intentional reading instruction based on the needs of Royall’s first and second grade students. Utilizing the data reports generated after monthly Istation testing, FLEX teachers meet to analyze data and assess the needs of their students. Although Istation is a great place to start, teacher judgement is the most important factor when placing students. Teachers assign their students to a smaller group (typically no larger than 12) for instruction based on their needs. Students assigned in one FLEX group may be reassigned on an individual basis as needed. FLEX groups are reassigned approximately every 4-6 weeks. These groups are a temporary way for students to work together in a variety of ways and configurations depending upon activity and learning outcomes as well as to learn from another teacher at Royall. In order to promote maximum learning, students need to move frequently among groups according to their specific needs. For example when a student shows progress in one area of instruction such as comprehension or fluency they may be placed with a group of students who share their strengths. If data analysis shows that a student is struggling in an area, they too may be reassigned to a group with students that have similar needs. In addition to the monthly data analysis meeting, teachers involved in FLEX meet on a weekly basis during their grade level planning time to discuss progress, move student groups when appropriate and create activities and lessons that target the needs of all learners. Current lessons include word work, vocabulary and comprehension strategies, the writing process and a daily read aloud. According to Principal Julie Smith, FLEX groups “allow our teachers to meet the individual needs of students through carefully designed intervention. In addition to providing remediation, FLEX groups allow us to provide enrichment opportunities to our stronger students.” Second grade students have this to say about FLEX groups: “I get to see my friends from other classes!” “We get to learn in different classrooms from different teachers.” “FLEX groups are fun!” Second and first grade teachers report, “FLEX groups at Royall are just one way that we can meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of each student.”. FLEX grouping allows teachers to zero in on the specific needs of each student. It allows students to have the opportunity to work with, and learn from, their peers in a way that encourages them to be active participants in each lesson. When students work in a variety of groups, they learn to work independently and cooperatively with a variety of personalities. The teachers involved in FLEX grouping will meet once again after the holidays to discuss progress and concerns, analyze data and regroup students according to need. FLEX grouping at Royall has proven to be an effective tool to enhance student achievement.
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