This paper presents a research summary on ability grouping and tracking, and makes recommendations to school practitioners on successful alternative strategies to educate children from diverse backgrounds. The research reveals little evidence that ability grouping improves academic achievement, while overwhelming evidence exists that it retards…

Some of the dynamics involved in ability grouping classification at the secondary level are described via an examination of the decision-making process involved. Specifically, the practitioners' perspectives of the curriculum, their use of selected student characteristics, and their beliefs about the goals of the classification process were…

Psychomotor, or physical education skills, can be tested through the use of various measures which employ one or more sport-specific objective measures, such as norm- or criterion-referenced tests, or subjective measures, such as teacher ratings or student self-rating. Norm-referenced tests embody standards which are set relatively for the purpose…

This workshop manual was developed to aid instructors in complying with the federal mandate to eliminate sex discrimination and bias in elementary and secondary physical education classes. Information and participant worksheets are provided for the following topics: (1) basic guidelines for physical education Title IX compliance; (2) case examples…

This is the report of an observation of the Finley elementary school in central Harlem, New York City. Its reading program is projected by the principal as the instructional leverage for the organization of the school. The program is described in detail, including how parents are described and how the program is used to foster self-esteem for…

SUBJECTS (398) IN THE NINTH AND 12TH GRADES, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE, WERE ASKED TO RATE INITIAL, FILMED COUNSELING SESSIONS AS IF THEY WERE THE COUNSELEE. FIVE DIFFERENT COUNSELING APPROACHES WERE USED IN THE FILMED SESSIONS--(1) ADVICE GIVING - THE COUNSELOR ADVISES THE CLIENT ON A PROGRAM OF ACTION, (2) QUESTIONING - THE COUNSELOR POSES A QUESTION…

Examining the history of a "promotion by achievement" program begun in 1973-74 in Greensville County, Virginia, the authors argue that the effects of the program were not racially discriminatory as alleged by a 1980 suit that led to the program's termination in 1981. (JBM)

It is useful to think of teachers and students in primary classrooms as a family, where flexibility and meeting individual needs are essential. These "families" should represent all primary age groups. This guide describes how to implement multi-age and multi-ability primary programs in Kentucky schools based on the requirements of the…

Uses a survey of educational attainment in urban Taiwan to explore the effects of ability grouping. Argues that because of the nature of educational institutionalization in Taiwan (universal basic education, a national curriculum, entrance examinations governing access to postcompulsory schooling) tracking reduces rather than accentuates the…

Describes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of 2 science simulation programs for 11- and 12-year-olds in a developing country (Guyana). Computer-assisted learning (CAL) results are compared with results from written assignments, effect size is discussed, gender differences are examined, and ability levels are considered. (14 references)…

The Chapter 1 compensatory education program and the results of the Title 1 Sustaining Effects Study are discussed. Topics include within-case ability grouping and student achievement, quality and quantity of instruction, teacher expectations, labelling of participants, peer influences, and program eligibility criteria. (TJH)

Describes a study conducted at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry that compared the effectiveness and efficiency of adaptive instruction with nonadaptive instruction using interactive videodisc patient simulations. The Dental Diagnosis and Treatment (DDx&Tx) System is explained, and problem-solving skills and study time are discussed.…

Reports on a naturalistic study conducted with 24 low-achieving high school biology students that determined how the teacher and students used two computer-based videodisk programs, a print-based activity, and a dissection laboratory to learn about frog anatomy and to conduct a frog dissection. Future research is suggested. (Contains 14…

This study quantified possible changes in the classroom learning experiences of high- and low-ability pupils, which might accompany an organizational change from streamed to mixed-ability classes for science learning in secondary schools. Deteriorations in the quality of the classroom interactions of both high- and low-ability pupils were found.…

This meta-analysis with literature review considers whether the self-concepts of gifted and nongifted children differ and explores the effects on self-concept of labeling a child as gifted and placing the child in special programs. Studies indicate a generally higher academic self-concept among gifted students. (SLD)