Reports the results of a study of the effectiveness of ability grouping in selected high schools. Discusses differences in academic conditions in various levels of grouping. Study focused on differences in curriculum content and instructional practices across several levels of ability grouping in United States history classes. (PS)

Examines the effects of class size on student achievement in classrooms in which teachers use whole class instruction and those in which students are in ability groups. Results suggest that classroom pedagogical practices mediate the affect of class size on learning. (SA)

Reviews research findings on ability grouping. Attempts to document the mechanisms through which stratification in schools influences student achievement, focusing on within-classroom ability grouping in 12 first grade classes. Results indicate that grouping has no direct effect on reading achievement by the end of the year. (JDH)

To account for racial differences in learning, the report examines educational technology--the conditions and activities that constitute instruction--in three Chicago area school districts. Results show that black students are exposed to restricted learning opportunities because of district and school differences in the availability of…

Two parallel studies evaluated the manner in which variations in sociometric formulations highlight differing effects of academic status on social acceptance in the classroom. The contingency between sociometric formulation and outcome was consistent with level of aspiration and social exchange theories. (Author/LMO)

Discusses the effectiveness of Kuwait University Language Center Placement Tests in promoting homogeneity of class ability levels. Looks at the appropriateness of multiple-choice tests of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension for placement and diagnostic purposes in large programs. Concludes that carefully designed and written…

Advocates heterogeneous grouping and cites research indicating that it will be more beneficial to students than homogeneous grouping by ability. (DF)

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of ability grouping in relation to equal educational opportunity as provided for by the "equal protection clause" of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In view of the disproportionate numbers of minorities assigned to low ability groups, is grouping legal? (Author/JM)

The article starts with a historical overview, discusses the arguments for and against ability grouping. It surveys the literature on different practices of grouping that exist in the American and British literature. The study mainly focuses on instructional grouping practices based on ability and on cooperation. It discusses arguments for and…

Researchers are aware that grouping students by prior knowledge may result in moderate gains in intermediate grade students' mathematics achievement. Despite this research, many teachers continue to teach the way they were taught: one curriculum for all students regardless of students' readiness. Additionally, researchers have raised concerns…

In some Western countries, it has been found that studying in schools of high-average ability has negative effects on one's self concept due to social comparisons with high-ability classmates. This has been metaphorically described as the big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE). To explore this phenomenon, the perceived school status as a measure of…

This study investigated the instructional grouping practices utilized by teachers in two sixth grade classrooms in a southern California elementary school, noting how Hispanic American students in the classrooms perceived those grouping practices and how perceptions of grouping practices compared across Latino students in different ability groups.…

Contains the major findings and recommendations of a study of ability grouping by investigators associated with the College of Education, University of Georgia. (JM)

A study comparing the performances and preferences of college statistics students in streamed and mixed-ability groups revealed that both types of class organization are workable, but students prefer varied abilities in small work groups. (AM)