Ability grouping, which is undemocratic and results in De Facto segregation, is attacked by the author. He cites the pros and the cons as well as references for each position. (MF)

There is a dichotomy of opinion regarding the merits and feasibility of ability grouping, and the issue is unsettled after much research and study. This research summary discusses grouping practices, the place of ability grouping in over-all school organization, schools' capacity for ability grouping, and the pros and cons of ability grouping,…

This issue of a research journal on gifted education explores different perspectives on tracking in schools, the difference between equity and equality, whether equity is the enemy of excellence, and how all can be treated equally if some people are more intelligent than others. Specific articles include: (1) "Inequity in Equity: How 'Equity' Can…

The history of ability grouping, especially since 1920, is reviewed and three recent surveys on its use are described. Current data was collected from school officials in all states concerning: the grade levels at which grouping is used; the length of time it has been used; the bases on which students are assigned to groups; the number of students…

It has been hypothesized that a student will develop more fully academically if grouped with students of similar ability. A study was undertaken at Harcum Junior College to assess the effect upon academic performance of the assignment of roommates with varying high school academic records. For investigation purposes students were identified as…

The author reviews the past few years of experience gained in English schools of mixed-ability teaching in science and makes some personal interpretations of the lessons to be learned from that experience. It is hoped that some of these issues will be of relevance to other countries. (Author/SK)

If the major educational objective of classifying children into restricted range classroom environments is greater provision for individual differences--and given that there is no clear-cut evidence indicating that this object has been realized--then one is compelled to entertain the conclusion that ability grouping, as presently implemented, has…

This paper addresses issues in the relationship of instructional grouping to both educational excellence and equity. First, equity issues are considered in light of two court cases: Hobson v. Hansen and Marshall v. Georgia which, together, offer guidelines for equitable ability grouping. Next, the research on the effects of grouping arrangements…