1 Cross Level Subject Setting Strategy ( 跨級編組 )

2 Cross Level Subject Setting- CLSS ( 跨級編組 ) 1.Understanding of CLSS 2.How CLSS can Enhance Learning and Teaching 3.Implementation Strategies of CLSS 4.Limitations in CLSS implementation and Possible Solutions 5.Strengths of CLSS

3 Understanding of CLSS Background One of the Five Strategies in Catering for Individual Differences in Academic Abilities of Primary School Students Curriculum Development Institute, Education and Manpower Bureau

4 Rationale of CLSS To provide an appropriate curriculum level to students divided into sets according to their ability/proficiency level e.g. P. 3 level English set = P.2 + P.3 + P.4 class students Different from the usual practice in normal schools

5 Purpose of CLSS To develop students’ interest, motivation and self-learning ability As remedial and enhancement measure ( 拔尖保底 ) To cater for learners’ differences

6 Belief of CLSS Recognize there are individual differences in students’ learning ability Provide students with suitable learning and teaching materials, i.e. materials that are a little bit higher than their current level Optimize students’ learning efficacy and effectiveness via provision of suitable learning and teaching materials

7 How CLSS can Enhance Learning and Teaching 1.Provision of appropriate curriculum 2.Placement of Students  Identify students’ current ability through placement tests  Group students into different levels sets according to placement results, as complemented with school/ external assessment, and teachers’ professional judgement

8 3. Learning and Teaching  Identify and select learning and teaching materials suitable for students  Develop school-based curriculum (e.g. core content, thematic approach)  More lively activities and effective learning  Greater teacher collaboration

9 4. Assessment for Learning  Assessment of students is an on-going process to keep track of students’ progress, to provide feedback on learning and teaching, and to set targets for the next step  Continual selection of learning and teaching materials that best suit students, e.g. use of book bank

10 Implementation Strategies of CLSS 1. Administrative Level  School time table  Allocation of teachers and resources 2. Operational measures  Placement of students  Ranking and grouping of students  Naming of sets  Changes in classrooms

11 3. Areas of concern in effectively carrying out CLSS  Principal and teachers’ readiness and collaboration  Parents’ concern  Learning and Teaching  Modes of Assessment

12 Participating schools of CLSS SchoolSubjectLevel Sau Mau Ping Catholic P/SEnglishP. 4-6 YL Small Traders New Village P/SEnglishP. 1-6 Ling To Catholic P/S (PM)EnglishP. 4-6 GCEPSA Whampoa P/SEnglishP. 3-6 SKH Yat Sau P/SEnglishP. 1-6 Tung Tak SchoolEnglishP. 5-6

13 Limitations in CLSS Implementation 1. Learning/ Teaching/ Assessment Acceleration elements in CLSS to guarantee students reach a particular academic year level within a period of time Assessment of students may not be compatible with the Hong Kong public examination system, e.g HKAT, submission of marks in P.5 and P.6 Lack of placement test samples

14 2. Pastoral care of students  Psychological being of students due to labelling effect  Students placed in lowest level sets are usually not only with lower ability group, but also with emotional/ psychological/ behavioral problems with low interest and motivation in learning. They may have negative influence on each other

15 3.Administrative arrangement Physical change of classrooms Fairness in teacher allocation and appraisal of teachers’ performance

16 Possible Solutions to Limitations Possible Solutions 1. Learning/ Teaching/ Assessment Motivation, more lively activities and effective strategies Develop school-based/ set-based curriculum program Use of report card Award system

17 2. Pastoral care of students Rapport between teachers and students Peer support Concerted effort of Parents/School/Student 3. Administrative arrangement Rotation of teachers Time for teachers’ collaborative lesson preparation

18 Strengths of CLSS 1.Minimize individual differences in classroom 2.Appropriate curriculum Level to suit ability and needs of students 3.Teachers with more autonomy and flexibility in choosing learning and teaching materials and use of activities 4.Both lower and higher ability students are given chance to progress at own pace

19 Strengths of CLSS 5.NACs can be placed at classes according to their current level, and be promoted upon efforts 6.Grouping of students enhance teacher collaboration 7.Provide a mechanism for faster promotion and recognition 8.Enhance interpersonal skills as there are more chances for social interaction among students

20 Contact Point: Evaluation, Assessment and Projects Section, CDI, Education and Manpower Bureau Tel: ; Fax: