A commentary precedes this previously published article that uses case studies of two highly gifted preschool students to illustrate potential pitfalls in program planning. Three key components (assessment, flexible scheduling, and counseling) are stressed as critical to the success of any gifted program. (Contains references.) (CR)

Presents a case study of grade 9 curriculum reforms at a urban high school in Ontario (Canada). Explains that students were streamed according to their abilities and interests before the reform. Discusses questions related to de-streaming, especially how teachers contend with mixed-ability classes, and integration with a particular focus on…

Investigated 8th grade science education within all-boys', all-girls' and coeducational classes. A college professor observed and scripted student behaviors, teacher behaviors, and teacher-student interactions. The two educators collaboratively examined gender-specific behaviors, problems such behaviors created for science instruction, and…

At the end of the 1992-93 school year, Dutch schools finished their preparations for a new core curriculum for the first stage of secondary education. One of the problems teachers faced in implementing this curriculum was the problem of class heterogeneity. How teachers dealt with heterogeneity was studied through an examination of the use of…

This paper addresses the controversy regarding the use of cooperative learning with gifted elementary students, by means of participant observation methodology. The study had three segments: (1) observation of fourth through sixth grade gifted students working in cooperative groups at a pullout site; (2) interviews with students to assess student…

Based on a review of current literature, this report provides information on the impact of heterogeneous grouping versus homogeneous grouping on secondary student performance. Following a definition of ability grouping and arguments for and against its employment in current educational practice, the document examines five significant factors…

Research questions addressed were: (1) Do homogeneous rejected groups of children score higher on antisocial behavior and aggression than mixed-status groups? (2) Are rejected children less antisocial and aggressive when playing with same-status peers than with other-status peers? (3) Are rejected children as disliked for being aggressive in…

Grouping students homogeneously by ability level is a common practice in public middle and secondary schools. This practice persists despite research evidence that it actively hinders students' learning. To change grouping practices, however, concurrent changes must be made in the design of schedules, curriculum, and instruction. Such changes can…

Effects of student grouping on academic achievement were examined in research among high school students in Israeli kibbutz schools, and in a nationwide sample of middle school students in Israel. Data analysis was based on a model developed from research findings in the United States, Sweden, Great Britain, and Israel. The treatment variable was…

A comparison of the self concepts and school attitudes of third grade low achievers in homogeneously versus heterogeneously grouped classrooms is made in this study. An extensive review of the literature on ability grouping, self concept (and self concept tests), and school attitudes related to grouping is presented. In the study, low achievers…

A study was made of the relative effectiveness of five selected training devices with varying degrees of fidelity in the learning of a psychomotor task in which manipulative skill was not vital. The hypothesis was this: an increase in fidelity may not produce a corresponding increase in effectiveness, whereas such factors as ability to engage a…

This collection of papers, concerned with the nature and theory of intelligence, forms part of a project to integrate test and factor theory with the empirical, functional relationships involving standard intelligence tests. The project will render more objective the use of factor analysis in personnel research. A definition of intelligence…

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…

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…