The degree of homogeneity and heterogeneity among schools affects the comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of the school system and the type and scope of classroom interaction. Since the beginning of the 1980s, interest has gradually increased in the effects of homogeneity and heterogeneity of schools on classroom interactions; this research…

The knowledge base regarding use of instructional grouping in the classroom includes findings from research on effective schools, effective teaching, student academic achievement, student perceptions of self and others, student motivation, student attitudes toward school, and student friendships and interactions in the classroom and school. A…

A review of the literature on best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among gifted students, found that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. (Contains…

"The Bell Curve" claims that most human differences and almost all social injustices can be traced to intelligence, and that distribution of intelligence should influence distribution of educational resources to allow students to find their proper and inevitable place in society. Applied to educational policy, this vision of the world…

A commentary precedes this reprint of a study that investigated the academic, psychological, and socialization effects of ability grouping on gifted learners. Conclusions drawn from 13 research syntheses supported sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted students. The commentary discusses the research findings and…

Advocates heterogeneous grouping and cites research indicating that it will be more beneficial to students than homogeneous grouping by ability. (DF)

This reprint of a previously published article describes a study that examined the relationship of six commonly held myths regarding ability grouping to educators' efforts to provide the best instructional programs for all students. The article is preceded by a commentary stressing the need for appropriate services. (Contains references.) (CR)

The findings of a review of research into setting and streaming (ways of grouping pupils according to ability) in primary and secondary schools in Scotland are presented. The review was conducted according to the best evidence synthesis model, as set out by Slavin (1986). The review relied on findings of Slavin's meta-analyses, as well as adding…

This conference panel presentation includes five papers on the implications of inclusive education for gifted and talented children. "The Case for Ability Grouping of Gifted Students" (Carolyn Yewchuk) summarizes research results showing that greatest gains were found in programs that grouped high ability children together and provided a…

This review of the literature summarizes findings on instructional grouping issues and academic achievement of gifted elementary students. The review addresses problems of using standardized tests to evaluate instructional effectiveness of grouping arrangements, distinctions between providing the same curriculum and a differentiated curriculum to…

This article reviews the literature on grouping and argues for flexible grouping of students according to ability and achievement levels and maintains that grouping gifted students heterogeneously and providing cooperative learning leads to lowered achievement and motivation and poorer attitudes toward school for gifted students. (DB)

Meta-analytic reviews have shown that the effects of grouping programs depend on their features. Programs that entail only minor adjustment of course content for ability groups usually have little or no effect on student achievement. In some grouping programs, for example, school administrators group students by test scores and school records and…

This article argues that the literature offers inconclusive evidence to support Ontario initiatives mandating destreaming of students by ability level. Issues discussed include academic performance, segregation on the basis of academic ability, opportunity for equality of academic outcomes, drop-out rates, attitudes, and sociological constructs.…

Based on a review of current literature, this report provides information on the impact of heterogeneous grouping versus homogeneous grouping on secondary student performance. Following a definition of ability grouping and arguments for and against its employment in current educational practice, the document examines five significant factors…

Using a best evidence synthesis model, this book reviews research conducted in primary/elementary and secondary schools in the United States and in Great Britain on setting and streaming (ways of grouping pupils according to ability). The review concludes that research provides no evidence that student achievement at the primary/elementary school…