This issue of a research journal on gifted education explores different perspectives on tracking in schools, the difference between equity and equality, whether equity is the enemy of excellence, and how all can be treated equally if some people are more intelligent than others. Specific articles include: (1) "Inequity in Equity: How 'Equity' Can…

Results of this study indicate that programs of study which are homogeneous in terms of the abilities, interests, and college grades of their students can be identified, that these programs differ on at least two interpretable dimensions, and that grouping of curricula on these bases simultaneously groups them according to sex ratio. (Authors)

After defining the relevant terms, the author examines the perpetual debate over the pros and cons of ability grouping, noting that, while conclusive research evidence is lacking for either side, teachers overwhelmingly support ability grouping. This, the author feels, may be evidence of a class structure in the schools. (SJL)

Some of the problems and hazards associated with the use of standardized reading test scores in the formation and reformation of ability groups for reading instruction are discussed. (Author)

A review of the literature on best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among gifted students, found that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. (Contains…

A study observed 32 eighth-grade students, divided according to their educational program placements, working on various tasks in either homogeneous or heterogeneous ability groups. Homogeneously congregated, gifted children exchanged constructive types of knowledge and prosocial feedback significantly more often than other homogeneous groups or…

Comparison of gifted, average ability, and low ability sixth grade students (total n=208), in either homogeneous or heterogeneous instructional settings, found a positive effect for achievement in mathematics for the gifted students in the homogeneous grouping. No significant difference in mathematics achievement based on grouping was found for…

A study examined views of teachers about the impact of honors classes on secondary students in regular classes with gifted students removed and on the gifted students in honors classes. Results show honors classes in basic subjects are positive for honors and regular students and for teachers of both. (MSE)

"The Bell Curve" claims that most human differences and almost all social injustices can be traced to intelligence, and that distribution of intelligence should influence distribution of educational resources to allow students to find their proper and inevitable place in society. Applied to educational policy, this vision of the world…

This article addresses six myths often used to oppose ability grouping of gifted students. These concern distinctions between tracking and ability grouping; ability grouping and elitism; discrimination against racial and minority groups; gifted students' supposed lack of special needs; the effectiveness of cooperative learning for all students;…

This fact sheet on cluster grouping of gifted students explains what cluster groups are, contrasts cluster grouping with tracking, offers a rationale for cluster grouping, outlines the special learning needs of gifted students, lists specific skills needed by cluster teachers, points out that cluster grouping should supplement rather than replace…

A STUDY WAS MADE TO DETERMINE THE EFFECT OF HETEROGENEOUS AND HOMOGENEOUS GROUPING IN NINTH-GRADE ENGLISH CLASSES. ON THE BASES OF IQ AND READING LANGUAGE SKILLS, STUDENTS WERE GROUPED AT THREE ABILITY LEVELS AND PLACE IN HETEROGENEOUS, HOMOGENEOUS SUPERIOR, HOMOGENEOUS SLOW, AND HOMOGENEOUS AVERAGE CLASSES. TEACHER VARIABLES WERE REDUCED BY…