Fourth and fifth grade teachers will be teaming up to teach classes at the Minot Forest and John W. Decas Elementary schools beginning in September, with students learning two subjects from one teacher and two from another.

The change allows teachers to specialize in the two subjects in which they have the most training, said Janice Rotella, Wareham Public Schools Director of Curriculum & Instruction.

"Expectations for students, especially in math, science, and writing, are growing in quantum leaps," Rotella said. "The content is just erupting."

With growing requirements, Rotella said it is unreasonable to expect teachers to know everything about all subjects. With teaming, teachers will have "more time to work with students because they're focusing on two subjects instead of four," she said. "They will be able to spend twice as much time on lessons [and] twice as much time working with students."

Teachers will team to teach math, science, English, and history. Which two subjects each teacher focuses on will depend on their expertise. All teachers will teach reading.

Students will switch classrooms during the day as they switch subjects and teachers. They will have assigned seats in two different classrooms, and learning materials in each, Rotella said.

"I think [we're] going to see kids improve by leaps and bounds," Rotella said. "It also prepares them for the transition to middle school."