Few academic interventions for gifted students have generated more empirical support than acceleration and ability grouping, and formative assessment is advocated as a tool that educators can use to appropriately integrate accelerative practices and ability grouping into the classroom. However, the empirical support for accelerative practices,…

This article reports the findings of a case study which examined a pull-out strategy for provision for mathematically able children in a primary school in London. The research investigated how the needs of a group of pupils, identified as able mathematicians, were being met through a special small group that works outside the regular mathematics…

Teaching in a regular classroom has become more complicated than ever with increased student diversity and pressure to connect learning experiences to educational standards and test preparation. Although teaching to the middle is often what occurs in traditional classrooms to meet required standards, it is neither an appropriate nor meaningful…

PROGRAMS DEALING WITH GIFTED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE DESCRIBED AND GIVE THE DEFINITION, IMAGINATION, ENRICHMENT, RESPONSIBILITY, AND TREATMENT OF THE ABLEST STUDENT. THE ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS OF GRADE SKIPPING, GRADELESS SCHOOLS, GROUPING BY ABILITY, AND ENRICHMENT ARE DESCRIBED ALONG WITH EXAMPLES OF NEW METHODS OF TEACHING MATHEMATICS AND…

Open-ended activities have been advocated in the literature of gifted education as a way to allow students who are identified as gifted to work in their own interest areas, in their own learning styles, and at their own ability levels. They are recommended as a means to differentiate instruction, but little research documents this recommended…

A COMMISSION WAS SET UP BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO IDENTIFY GIFTED STUDENTS AND TO CONDUCT RESEARCH TO FIND THE BEST METHODS FOR TEACHING THEM. PILOT CENTERS IDENTIFIED THE GIFTED THROUGH TESTS AND RATINGS AND DEMONSTRATED TEACHING PROCEDURES AS LISTED IN THE SURVEY RESULTS. THESE SCHOOLS WERE SURVEYED IN 1960 TO DETERMINE WHAT PROGRAMS WERE…

A commentary precedes this reprint of a study that investigated the academic, psychological, and socialization effects of ability grouping on gifted learners. Conclusions drawn from 13 research syntheses supported sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted students. The commentary discusses the research findings and…

This reprint of a previously published article describes a study that examined the relationship of six commonly held myths regarding ability grouping to educators' efforts to provide the best instructional programs for all students. The article is preceded by a commentary stressing the need for appropriate services. (Contains references.) (CR)

A commentary precedes this previously published essay that argues the excellence-equity debate requires policymakers to consider mainstreaming the gifted. It is noted in the commentary that McDaniel seems to have anticipated the current interest in push-in, as opposed to pull-out models for gifted education, and use of curriculum differentiation…

A school system in Cape Town, South Africa, developed a program called the "Combined Magnet Class" to serve gifted pupils from standards (grades) 3-5 in one classroom. Changes to the standard curriculum were made, and a pupil-determined pace was adopted. The pupils studied English, Afrikaans, and mathematics using a syllabus, for…

This collection of papers addresses tracking, whether it should be abolished, the movement toward inclusiveness in schools, strategies to meet all students' needs, and the process of untracking. Contents are as follows: "Why Ability Grouping Must End: Achieving Excellence and Equity in American Education" (Jomills Henry Braddock II and Robert E.…

This volume provides recent research findings on important topics related to the still-expanding middle school movement. They are divided into seven parts, addressing teaching/learning, curriculum, teacher education, social context, organization, leaderships, and issues and future directions. Following an introduction to middle level education…