Mentoring and Multi-grade Grouping
R.A.A.M.P. Charter Academy will employ multi-grade cohorts for several research-based reasons. One of the main reasons the school will employ such a classroom structure is that multi-grade grouping organically leads to mentoring and mentors. A mentor is defined as person who provides a trusting relationship and safe environment and is known for being available to answer life’s difficult questions. They are good listeners and are willing and able to share ideas and help students develop values and successful practices. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of diverse students have no father in the home. The school may not be able to completely compensate for the absence of fathers, however; we will attempt to fill this “fatherless” void through the opportunities presented by mentoring and mentorship. By using multi-grade cohorts, both natural and planned mentorship arrangements will occur. Natural mentorship arrangements develop within the normal or organic sequence of everyday life, and in the case of the school, within the context of everyday classroom activities. Planned mentorship arrangements happen when deliberate attempts to match a student with a mentor are made.1 The school will ensure that every student is involved with both a peer and an adult mentor as part of their academic program.
1Terry, N. (2007). Helping Boys Succeed In School. Waco: Prufrock Press Inc.