Some companies believe they are saving money by placing several employees in one class, trouble is they don't realize that the more advanced students will quickly become frustrated with the beginners, who will in turn, become frustrated because the class will be too advanced for them.

Group work is the answer. I am a student in my second practicum at a middle school, so my situation is a bit different from this one, but not by much. The classroom I am in has students who have never been to school before and don't know how to count or name colors, along with students who are reading, writing, and speaking only 1-2 levels below where they should be. The teacher's solution is splitting her classroom into groups so students can get what they need. She will got between groups to check on how students are working and answer questions, or (when practicum students are there) assign a practicum student to act as teacher's aid and work with a group while she focuses on basic vocabulary and other beginning skills with the students who need it most. It is not the most ideal situation, but it is one that can be made to work if you are a resourceful and creative teacher who tunes in to the needs of your students. Good luck!