On completion of this unit, one should be capable of performing each of the following unit objectives: describe individual differences among students; define individualized instruction, list modes of individualization, and present a general instructional model of individualization; justify student self-direction as a learning goal and as a…

Using a best evidence synthesis model, this book reviews research conducted in primary/elementary and secondary schools in the United States and in Great Britain on setting and streaming (ways of grouping pupils according to ability). The review concludes that research provides no evidence that student achievement at the primary/elementary school…

Describes the rationale behind and creation of male academies as part of the Detroit (Michigan) public schools. Discusses opposition on the grounds of lack of educational equity for female students. Considers reasons why the academies will not compromise educational equity. (SLD)

A discussion of tracking, or student grouping by academic ability, looks at arguments for and against such tracking, outlines several alternatives, including cooperative learning, active teaching strategies, and extended learning time for low-achievers. It is concluded that tracking is ineffective, harmful to many, and undermines democratic…

A teacher experimented to determine whether ninth-grade nonreaders could progress in an Israeli English class for weak learners. All students worked on reading and listening skills, with nonreaders focused on vocabulary building and learning grammar in context; for readers, grammar instruction was more abstract. Students worked at their own paces.…

Three issues are addressed in this research review. First, do gifted and average children differ in their self-concepts? Second, what, if any, are the effects on self-concept of labeling a child as gifted or exceptional? Third, does placing the child in a separate enriched or accelerated classroom have any impact on self-concept? The paper begins…

The effects of "bona fide" homogeneous grouping of students in grades 4 through 8 in a southeastern school system on the students' subsequent academic achievement were studied. These effects were studied for black students as well as for all students regardless of race, across 2 years. The student population was composed of over 4,800…

This paper provides an overview of research and theory on within-class grouping for instruction, including how groups are formed and managed, how students interact in groups, and how grouping affects students' achievement, with particular concern for low-achieving students served by Chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvements Act of…

FOR MANY YEARS THE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT EDISON HIGH SCHOOL WAS INADEQUATE, AND 70 PERCENT OF THE STUDENTS FAILED THE STANDARDIZED TEST ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT. THE PROGRAM FAILED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF STUDENTS OF VARYING RACIAL AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNDS. THREE FACTORS WERE--(1) A LOW SOCIOECONOMIC LEVEL, (2) AN…

Data were collected in a teacher effectiveness study on the interaction of teachers and first grade students while the students participated in reading groups within intact classrooms. The teacher behavior variables were then related to students achievement using three units of analysis: class means, reading group means within classes, and student…

This paper synthesizes the three substantive reports on ability grouping described in TM 000 501-503. It lists the characteristics of ability grouping as practised in American school systems. Extensive conclusions and recommendations, generally unfavorable to ability grouping are given. Alternative educational strategies for improvement of…

This paper reviews previous research into ability grouping and describes a study of the relationship of heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping plans on children's concepts of their interpersonal relationships with other students and their academic success. Most studies on the emotional impact of ability grouping indicated that being placed in the…

"Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition" is a program that successfully teaches reading, writing, and language arts in heterogeneous intermediate classes containing mainstreamed special education and remedial reading students, by combining mixed-ability cooperative learning teams and same-ability reading groups. (Author/JDD)

The learning needs of blind and visually impaired children can be categorized into three groups: (1) needs met by adapting the curriculum; (2) needs met by changing the instructional methodology; and (3) developmental and educational needs unique to these students. (Author/CB)

This report describes a program for implementing specific cooperative grouping patterns in order to increase students' academic performance. The targeted population consisted of junior high and high school students located in the northwest and southwest suburbs of a large metropolitan area. An instructional strategy in which both like-gender and…