Some of the problems and hazards associated with the use of standardized reading test scores in the formation and reformation of ability groups for reading instruction are discussed. (Author)

Past attempts to estimate peer group effects on socioeconomic or academic outcomes may have used insufficiently flexible techniques that stressed the mean of peer characteristics without considering their overall distribution. Using Philippines data, this paper demonstrates an estimation model accounting for the shape of distribution. Failure to…

A review of the literature on best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among gifted students, found that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. (Contains…

Studied the effects of group ability composition (homogeneous versus heterogeneous) on group processes and outcomes for high-ability students completing science assessments. Results for 83 high ability students show the quality of group functioning serves as the strongest predictor of high-ability students' performance and explained much of the…

Reformers advocate detracking America's schools, arguing that low-ability students would benefit with little effect on other students' academic performance. This study's results, obtained from a statistical model controlling for track assignment and classroom characteristics, cannot support these claims. Although lower track students would realize…

Using Queensland as an example, demonstrates how students are channelled towards different versions of English literacy in the senior secondary school, and how literacy curricula become complicit in the hierarchical sorting and streaming of young adult learners. Argues that post-compulsory students need access to a literacy repertoire that extends…

Considers the effects of those who wanted to minimize classroom teaching in elementary schools, infant schools and infant departments. Explores the ideas of Maria Montessori, the debate between whole-class methods and individualized instruction, grouping students by ability, and the notion of individualism. (CMK)

Outlines the negative effects of tracking on minority group students, the characteristics of beneficial systems, and alternatives to tracking. Concludes that tracking is common practice in American public education and that rigid tracking creates problems of student isolation by socioeconomic status and ethnicity. Suggests criteria for evaluating…

Students in work groups are more active learners and more motivated and enthusiastic about mathematics than students working in achievement groups. Acutely needed are curriculum materials for teachers to use with work groups and greater curriculum coordination across grades. Sidebars provide two lesson synopses for grades three and five. Includes…

Describes curriculum based measurement (CBM), a procedure which rank orders students based on the number of correct words per minute read from three basal passages. Emphasizes that this procedure is efficient in forming reading groups and monitoring students' progress. (MM)

The article discusses current instructional grouping methods typically used in physical education, as well as potential legal ramifications. Physical educators must carefully choose grouping strategies for how well they protect students and enrich learning experiences, not for convenience. (CB)

Examines tracking's effects on end-of-year 10th-grade mathematics achievement for a sample of over 3,900 public school students, using 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study data. Although there is clearly a case for detracking on equity grounds, students currently in uppertrack classes may suffer major losses in achievement test scores. (26…

Discusses middle school student tracking. Describes a longitudinal analysis of tracking among 1,669 students. Argues that the number, stability, and size of tracks are determined independently of the student population distribution. Suggests that tracking is often based upon students' track history and prior achievement. Identifies tracking…

Describes a long-term project in which elementary school teachers made fundamental changes in their reading/writing program, and came to a better understanding of their students' development as readers and writers by listening to children. Notes that children helped those with learning difficulties participate in the regular class upon elimination…

This article addresses six myths often used to oppose ability grouping of gifted students. These concern distinctions between tracking and ability grouping; ability grouping and elitism; discrimination against racial and minority groups; gifted students' supposed lack of special needs; the effectiveness of cooperative learning for all students;…