Constitutional bases for challenging ability grouping practices in the schools using the track system are presented. Research findings on ability grouping, law review journal articles, and texts of court cases are analyzed to determine possible grounds for such suits. (PP)

Examines potential sources of bias in aptitude and achievement testing of minority and, particularly, Black students. Holds that bias in standardized tests cannot be properly understood without reference to the socioeconomic matrix from which it has evolved. (Author/GC)

The relative effects of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures were compared on achievement and the acquisition of high-level cognitive reasoning strategies. Results indicate that cooperative interaction, promoted higher achievement and the discovery of superior cognitive reasoning strategies. (Author/GK)

Discusses a computer-assisted instruction study that examined the impact of group composition on student achievement, time on task, and group interactions when completing integrated learning system (ILS) math activities in cooperative pairs. The study paired elementary school students homogeneously or heterogeneously based on ability. (Author/LRW)

Reports an interpretive study of curriculum differentiation which looks at a lower-track curriculum at a midwestern public high school. Examines the relationships among curriculum differentiation, classroom conflict, and social differentiation. Concludes that curriculum is a sociocultural construction, that student responses are crucial…

National trends and issues that concern gifted education are considered, focusing on the relationships among regular education, early childhood education, and education of young children who are gifted. Specific topics include: whole language and emergent literacy, whole group instruction and flexible grouping, cooperative learning, and…

This paper examines a model used to predict success in a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program that relies more on performance in key first-year courses than the usual high school credentials, thereby, making more accurate predictions of success. The model also suggests strategies for enhancing student success. (GLR)

Reviews recent research on student achievement, self-concept, and curriculum and instruction showing the ineffectiveness of tracking and ability grouping. Certain court rulings show that tracking violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Innovative alternatives include cooperative learning, mastery learning, peer tutoring,…

Five questions about the academic, psychological, and socialization effects on gifted and talented learners of grouping for enrichment, of cooperative grouping for regular instruction, and of grouping for acceleration are addressed. Analysis of 13 research syntheses supports sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted and…

Although inclusiveness is the U.S. school system's strongest feature, more is seldom better. This article recommends raising standards and expectations, focusing on outcomes, stressing effort over ability and teacher competence over seniority, individualizing instruction, breaking the age/grade link, expanding year-round learning and early…

Considers whether ability grouping can be implemented more effectively than is typical explores the possibility of high-quality instruction in low-ability classes using data from 112 eighth- and ninth-grade ability-grouped English classes. Two examples of apparently effective instruction in low tracks are presented. (SLD)

Data from 882 high school students in 48 mathematics classes demonstrate that student achievement is significantly lower in general-track classes than in college-preparatory classes, with achievement in transition classes (classes in California and New York bridging the gap between elementary and college-preparatory mathematics) falling between…

A commentary precedes this previously published essay that argues the excellence-equity debate requires policymakers to consider mainstreaming the gifted. It is noted in the commentary that McDaniel seems to have anticipated the current interest in push-in, as opposed to pull-out models for gifted education, and use of curriculum differentiation…

In this article, the author's intent is to begin a conversation centered on the question: How might mathematics educators ensure that gatekeeping mathematics becomes an inclusive instrument for empowerment rather than an exclusive instrument for stratification? In the first part of the discussion, the author provides a historical perspective of…

Background: This longitudinal study examines the long-term effects on the achievement of students at a diverse suburban high school after all students were given accelerated mathematics in a detracked middle school as well as ninth-grade "high-track" curriculum in all subjects in heterogeneously grouped classes. Despite considerable…