Research does not support the popular practice of homogeneous ability grouping. Students are placed in groups through diverse and questionable methods. Teachers usually instruct lower ability groups at a low cognitive level and expect little of students in these groups; poor attitudes and achievement often result. (PP)

Discusses problems with student tracking. Although supporters consider tracking the best way for teachers to handle classroom diversity, many minorities say that it condemns their children to an inferior education. Studies show that heterogeneous classes benefit all students if the teachers adopt flexible instructional methods to handle the…

Efforts at one high school to reconsider its practices of ability grouping and explore alternative assessment and grouping practices are described. Assessment of the schools' practices found that students in lower ability groups had a less stimulating curriculum, fewer positive role models, lower motivation, lower expectations for themselves, and…