One of the most
common requests recently from principals, teachers, parents, and policymakers is for research that will help determine what
grade configuration is best for students in various
grade levels.
Collegial work groups (e.g.,
grade level teams, school improvement teams), sharing of expertise, networking of teachers and principals across schools, cross-role leadership and school improvement teams at school and district levels — all these and many other
configurations of professional educators collaborating with one another on student achievement - focused district reform initiatives are indicative of a
common emphasis on teamwork and professional community as one of the keys to continuous improvement.