This article investigates the practice of heterogeneous grouping for reading and literacy instruction through a detailed interactional analysis focused on the least proficient readers in two mixed-ability group contexts. The resulting analysis suggests that struggling readers in heterogeneous groups may encounter the same problems often associated…

Whole class discussions are a key feature of daily life in many classrooms yet evidence suggests there is much variation in the quality of talk which takes place in terms of facilitating children's learning. This paper examines children's understanding of the role and purpose of whole class discussions in supporting learning and also considers…

Students enter classrooms with different abilities, learning styles, and personalities. Educators are mandated to see that all students meet the standards of our district and state. Through the use of differentiated instruction strategies, educators can meet the needs of all students and help them to meet and exceed the established standards. In…

Adding to the growing debate and evidence base on the effects of charter schools, this evaluation was conducted in 36 charter middle schools in 15 states. It compares the outcomes of 2,330 students who applied to these schools and were randomly assigned by lotteries to be admitted (lottery winners) or not admitted (lottery losers) to the schools.…

Spearman's "law of diminishing returns" or SLODR refers to a decrease in "g" saturation as ability level increases. SLODR has been demonstrated in a number of intellectual batteries but several important aspects of the phenomenon are not yet well understood. We investigated the presence of SLODR in the Kaufman Assessment…

Background: Research indicates that affective aspects of development provide a basis for autonomous learning. Pupils' liking for school may be a useful indicator of their relationships with teachers and the school. Aims: The aim of the research reported in this paper is to establish the properties of a measure of pupils' liking for school and to…

Differentiating is good teaching. As a math intervention tool, it's power packed. And as a math acceleration instrument it's unbeatable. And differentiation doesn't have to be difficult. Not with "Differentiation in Number & Operations and the Other Math Content Standards, PreK-Grade 2". The author's five-volume series shows you easy and effective…

This is a quantitative empirical research study validating the invariance of item difficulty parameters estimates based on the two competing measurement frameworks, the classical test theory (CTT) and the item response theory (IRT). In order to achieve the set goal, one fifty five (155) different independent samples were drawn from the population…

Three major topics related to grouping students (i.e., group-learning paradigms, learning group configuration, and student leadership in academic work groups) were reviewed. Given the confusion arising from the interchangeable use of terms associated with group learning, a detailed comparison of cooperative and collaborative group-learning…

This book applies the author's easy but effective differentiation strategies to the data analysis and probability content standard. Taking the foundational elements of differentiation in this book, it helps you: (1) assess students' math abilities quickly and efficiently; (2) group children by need; (3) target instruction to meet every student's…

This paper shares the results of an ethnographic case study into the role a principal had in maintaining a growing minority language school while implementing an inclusive policy for students with learning and physical difficulties. The principal was very aware of the reputation and image of the school in the public eye. Maintaining a distinct…

Student grouping on the elementary and secondary level is discussed. The three sections include: (1) historical perspective of grouping patterns, (2) grouping objectives and purposes, and (3) grouping criteria and practices. Emerging patterns of horizontal and vertical school organization represent a conscious attempt at flexibility. Also included…

Many educators, including Charles Bailey and David Bridges, who authored "Mixed Ability Grouping: A Philosophical Perspective," believe that mixed ability grouping is the best way to group pupils and that divergence from this method needs arguing. The arguments they use to promote the cause of mixed ability grouping are critiqued. (RM)