Reports study of college biology laboratory course where 604 students were placed in pairs based on their scientific reasoning ability (intuitive, transitional, reflective). Results indicate no significant difference between type of partner and laboratory score or posttest reasoning score. Survey results indicate reflective partner was viewed as…

The reform literature poses classic dilemmas for decision makers leading to inaction, ineffective compromises, and vacillation between opposing choices. Dilemmas exist in the public policy arena, the unregulated private economy, higher learning institutions, and societal traditions and values. This essay examines grading, ability grouping, and…

This literature review on programs for mathematically gifted elementary students concludes that effective programs include providing an accelerated curriculum and grouping mathematically gifted students together. The long-term effectiveness of technology-based instruction needs further research as do the topics of curriculum enrichment and other…

A recent study of schooling in five nations with well-developed educational systems (Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, and Japan) reveals that most of them share important characteristics not generally found in American schools. Results suggest that U.S. elementary educators should reconfigure school-year length, vacation time, and the pace of…

Tracking structures are grounded in widespread and historically rooted beliefs about human capacity, individual differences, and the learning process. Successful detracking requires a reconstructed curriculum, an expanded instructional repertoire, provision for special needs, alternative assessment and grading practices, and a process fostering…

Summarizes 10 major difficulties associated with ability grouping, including unfair and inaccurate student placements; the "locked-in" nature of ability grouping; undue emphasis on ability over effort; erosion of self-esteem; racial, ethnic, and income isolation; unequally distributed learning resources; illegal practices; and the need for a…

Researchers followed the progress of 10 restructured secondary schools as they "detracked" their curriculum. Most schools abolished low-level courses in favor of regular classes with honors options. Two middle schools developed a common curriculum; some high schools required all students to pass benchmark classes. Others created opportunities for…

Discusses the consequences of tracking students, how one English teacher moved to heterogeneous grouping, and multiple intelligences and tracking. Asks why educators continue to track students when Howard Gardner has shown that there are at least seven distinct ways that humans come to know and learn. (RS)

Describes a type of block scheduling for middle schools that combines heterogeneous grouping in all subjects within the block and ability grouping. Presents a method of compiling data for block schedules to assist planning. (JPB)

Investigates how a select group of New Zealand teachers organize their classrooms for reading instruction to avoid the pitfalls that may be associated with ability grouping and yet meet the needs of students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Offers 3 fundamental reasons why these groups may provide effective contexts for learning as one part…

Ability grouping is a common practice in many mathematics classrooms. Its negative effects on students have been documented in research spanning two decades or more, and yet it is still widely implemented--in some countries even mandated. Using data from interviews with Australian students in the compulsory years of secondary schooling (14-16…

This article presents an adaptation of an article from School Board News, January 6, 2004 edition. The article describes the effort of de-tracking students of varying ability levels, made by officials of South Side High School, in Rockville Centre, New York, and Noble High School, in North Berwick, Maine. Officials from both schools say that the…

During the 1990s, there was considerable emphasis on promoting particular kinds of pupil grouping as a means of raising educational standards. This survey of 2000 primary schools explored the extent to which schools had changed their grouping practices in response to this, the nature of the changes made and the reasons for those changes.…

This action research project report summarizes the methods used to reduce boredom and frustration and increase students' academic motivation in three mixed-ability classrooms. This action research project included 21 third grade students, 23 fifth grade students, and 28 eighth grade students (n=72) during the dates of September 10, 2007, through…

First discusses the learning goals of the beginning course in communicative English instruction. In the second part is found a commentary on the teaching texts "English for You" and "English for a Start." In the third part ability grouping at the school is discussed. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)