Procedures for grouping students into homogeneous subsets have long interested educational researchers. The research reported in this paper is an investigation of a set of objective grouping procedures based on multivariate analysis considerations. Four multivariate functions that might serve as criteria for adequate grouping are given and…

A commentary precedes this previously published study that indicates fifth-grade and eighth-grade students in homogeneous classes perceived that their teachers held higher expectations of them than did students who were heterogeneously grouped. The statistical methods used in the study are explained, along with key findings. (Contains references.)…