This paper proposes a new theory of Conditional Social Equality (CSE) which in some ways challenges the theory of cumulative advantage/disadvantage (CAD), which postulates that inequalities and social divisions necessarily increase over time. Using evidence from informal learning groups in Men's Sheds in three countries, we conclude that some…

When working to connect homogeneous curricula with heterogeneous groups of pupils, teachers have to sort pupils according to the categories allowed for in the national school system. In this article, we compare German organizational differentiation, where pupils are divided into stable groups, to Norwegian pedagogical differentiation, where…

School integration and inclusion are important for educational equity, yet inclusionary educational policies often end up being exclusionary in practices. In this article I contribute to our understanding of school level mechanism underlying this process. I draw on 2 years of data collection in a progressive culturally responsive school…

Schools utilize an array of strategies to match curricula and instruction to students' heterogeneous skills. While generations of scholars have debated "tracking" and its consequences, the literature fails to account for diversity of school-level sorting practices. In this paper we draw upon the work of Sørenson (1970) to articulate and…

Schools use an array of strategies to match curricula and instruction to students' heterogeneous skills. Although generations of scholars have debated ''tracking'' and its consequences, the literature fails to account for diversity of school-level sorting practices. In this article, we draw on the work of Sørensen and others to articulate and…

Inequalities in educational opportunity are well documented. Regardless of the nature of the disadvantage--low income, underrepresented minority status, or prior achievement--students from backgrounds associated with a given disadvantage have less access to educational opportunities. In this article, we use data from the 2012 National Survey of…

The decision handed down by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education was not only a legal victory for African Americans in the United States, but all groups who were forced into exclusionary environments. In the shadows of Brown, advocates began seeking reforms that would allow students with disabilities to receive their education…

Educators cannot be rigid about using same- or cross-sex grouping, as both can be beneficial. Race and gender equity are complex, interrelated issues. Three ways of thinking can lead to potential conflicts between race and gender in equity pursuits: either/or, hierarchical, and universal (categorical). Both/and thinking and same-sex/same-race…

This issue of a research journal on gifted education explores different perspectives on tracking in schools, the difference between equity and equality, whether equity is the enemy of excellence, and how all can be treated equally if some people are more intelligent than others. Specific articles include: (1) "Inequity in Equity: How 'Equity' Can…

All students have strengths that should be identified and fostered. Some children are outstanding and would be stultified by the standard curriculum. Gifted kids are precocious, march to different drummers, and are obsessively interested in certain subjects. They can be introverted, fiercely independent, and emotionally vulnerable. Advanced…

Reports on three studies that investigate the effects of teaching mathematics in a mixed-ability setting on student achievement and teacher attitudes. Concludes that students' achievements need not be compromised in a heterogeneous setting. Participation in the project workshops also had a positive effect on teachers' attitudes toward teaching…

This article provides options and a rationale for expanding gender-grouping considerations to include single-gender, coed, and combination strategies for instruction in secondary physical education classes. This rationale is based on empirical evidence that suggests that female students are denied equal opportunity to achieve learning goals during…

Elizabeth Fox-Genovese argues that the defense of single-sex education for women, with its demonstrated benefits, must include its defense for men as well. Leon Podles agrees that there is a place for single-sex education but supports it as a way to give boys an initiation into masculinity. (SLD)

Explains the concept of least restrictive environment (LRE) and explores the ways in which it fits and does not fit gifted education. The paper discusses LRE as it relates to special education and to gifted students, investigates whether separate education hurts gifted students, discusses gifted students and the equitable society, and looks at the…

Argues that the thesis of discrimination against girls in coeducation schools has been replaced by a belief that, during certain phases or in specific subjects, abandonment of coeducation would promote equal opportunities. Questions whether classic or recent surveys provide empirical evidence for this moderate skeptical attitude towards…