Question for Elementary School Teachers about departmentalization

This may only pertain to those in upper elementary more, but I figured I'd open it up to all elementary teachers.

Does your school departmentalize? I've notice many schools (especially in grades 4 and 5, as well as 6 in the elementary school setting) down here in VA do a lot of departmentalization.

I've had experience with having kids in total departmentalization (each teacher only teaches one subject all day)

Partial departmentalization (switch for ss/science, maybe math also)

And having the same kids all day, for all subjects.

In my experience so far, my favorite is partial departmentalization, but then again, I've only had student teaching/practicum experience.

So, my question is, which format are you currently teaching in, and which do you think works best? Pros/Cons of both? Thanks!

Re: Question for Elementary School Teachers about departmentalization

My FH's school does something similar - for 6th graders only.

THey have team teaching - 3 teachers on a team, 1 specializing in math, 1 in s.s., and 1 in science.

So each teacher teaches English/Language Arts to their "normal" class and 1 main subject to 3 classes, and sends the kids to the other 2 teachers for the other 2 subjects. Follow me?

It works pretty well...unless you don't really get along w/ your team teachers!!!

Re: Question for Elementary School Teachers about departmentalization

we have it for 5th and 6th but with my guys, i keep them allll day. but it seems easier b/c you only have to plan one subject.