Young people who are either at risk of disengaging or disengaged from mainstream education in Ireland are often supported by what is termed 'out-of-school' or the 'alternative education' sector. A recent review of out-of-school education provision (Department of Education. 2022. "Review of Out-of-School Educational Provision." Dublin:…

A new Minnesota school has succeeded in translating a noble, inclusive vision into reality. Asked to evaluate the school's first year, staff identified several accomplishments: presence of family-like communities of learners; focus on meeting individual special-education needs within these communities; celebration of diversity as a strength to…

This study with 39 secondary students with severe disabilities integrated into regular programs in either home schools or cluster programs found that the proportion of students residing outside the normal school boundaries and the percent of students classified as Severely Multiply Handicapped were both negatively associated with both in-school…

Meeting the needs of gifted students within the regular classroom requires appropriate uses of cluster grouping, where small groups of students with similar learning needs are assigned to a particular teacher; an extended support system for the teacher; and educational differentiation to meet student needs. (JDD)

This digest in a question and answer format, provides basic information on cluster grouping of gifted students. Questions address such concerns as: the meaning of cluster grouping, differences between cluster grouping and tracking, advantages of cluster grouping, learning needs of gifted students, the argument that gifted education is elitist, the…

An example of the use of the cluster approach in a reading/language arts program for gifted first-graders (in a classroom with peers of varying ability) illustrates how this approach allows gifted students to work with others who have similar abilities and provides time-saving opportunities for teachers and modeling opportunities for non-gifted…

This article presents the results of a survey of elementary teachers (n=22) who used cluster grouping of gifted students within regular classrooms. Findings indicated general acceptance of clustering and that gifted students benefited from this provision. (DB)

Optimum conditions for gifted students in regular classrooms are discussed, including the advantages of cluster grouping and curriculum compacting. The importance of providing positive teacher attitudes toward gifted students and promoting psychological safety for the student who is gifted are emphasized. Seven cognitive and affective classroom…

For primary and secondary schools, the evidence concerning the effects of streaming (grouping by overall ability) and mixed-ability grouping is inconclusive. Many have concluded that there is no difference between the two systems in their effect on academic progress, social adjustment, attitudes toward school, or friendship patterns. (RM)

This report represents one aspect of the development of a competency-based, interdisciplinary cooperative program called Project SAVE (Special And Vocational Education). It focuses on Phase I, which, using a taxonomic approach, analyzed prior research and development efforts directed at implementing competency-based personnel preparation programs.…