The hypothesis that social comparison processes mediate the relation between ability-grouping practices in mathematics and students' achievement expectancies was tested in a sample of 452 sixth-graders. Achievement expectancies depended on both the type and level of their ability-grouping assignments. The implications of this effect are discussed.…

Reviews current policy trends concerning the practice of ability grouping in K-12 science education. Based upon an analysis of developing research and policies, researchers concluded that there is a dearth of recent empirical research specifically related to ability grouping in science and that the time is right for the concerted development of a…

An adult course in field biology was taught at two levels to accommodate mixed abilities of students. Learning outcomes were interpreted differently to enable multilevel teaching. (SK)

A Delaware middle school schedules its summer school near the end of summer, requires students and parents to attend a preliminary meeting, and features strict attendance and behavior requirements. Students' placement depends on reading ability. An evaluation showed that vocabulary, reading, writing, and math scores increased for nearly 70% of…

Background: Although several studies support the existence of a negative stream effect on lower-ability stream students' academic self-concept, there is not enough longitudinal research evidence to preclude the possibility that the stream effect may only be temporary. In addition, not much is known about the effect of streaming on changes in…

This paper addresses the discussion regarding whether or not cooperative learning methods are good for gifted students by considering the processes of task-related interaction within different cooperative structures. Differences and similarities in the nature and type of task-related interactions that are promoted by different cooperative learning…

Internationally and historically in the UK, considerable research has been undertaken regarding teachers' pedagogical practices when working with high or low ability classes. Latterly, in the UK, research has focused on pedagogical practices in mixed ability classes. This paper aims to compare secondary school teachers' pedagogical practices in…

In 1996 Her Majesty's Inspectors of schools published a report entitled "Achievement for All" (SOEID, 1996). This report identified a number of key principles governing the organisation of pupils by class, or within class, in Scottish schools and concluded that: The application of these principles does not give rise to one, universally best method…

Courts often rely on the testimony of experts to understand arguments and implications in education rights litigation. But expert testimony, and statistical testimony in particular, can offer a false sense of security for the unwary. This article uses expert testimony offered in two recent desegregation cases to consider whether sufficient…

The monitorial system of education was the most promising device in the field of primary education at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Its astonishing spread across the five continents represents one of the earliest processes of internationalization in the field of elementary schooling, which has rarely been analysed from the point of view…

Research was undertaken to examine the level of support and general attitudes towards multi-level selective classes for gifted students amongst the staff and parents of an independent (non-government) boys' Preparatory school, located in Adelaide, South Australia. Questionnaires were sent to all parents and staff in the Preparatory school and…

Today's classrooms increasingly challenge teachers to address a diverse range of backgrounds, abilities, and learning needs. As teachers rise to the challenge, grouping can be a valuable instructional tool to address varying ability levels and learning needs within the classroom. At present, there is a good deal of support in the literature for…

If America is to succeed in the innovation-powered global economy, boosting math and science skills will be critical. This is why a wide array of task forces and organizations has recently raised the clarion call for more and better scientists and engineers. While the policy proposals offered are wide ranging, one key policy innovation has…

This investigation examined the comparative effects of "Reading Success Level B" on the reading comprehension skills of 78 fifth graders across three general education classrooms. Three student subgroups were formed based on pretest Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) reading levels including high (n = 14), average (n = 50), and low (n = 14)…

The Lancastrian Monitorial System of Instruction was devised in the late eighteenth century by a teacher in England, Joseph Lancaster, who found it necessary to keep educational costs down in order to continue teaching poor people in the area. This system was organized so that one master teacher could instruct from 200 to 1,000 pupils at one time.…