The author reviews the past few years of experience gained in English schools of mixed-ability teaching in science and makes some personal interpretations of the lessons to be learned from that experience. It is hoped that some of these issues will be of relevance to other countries. (Author/SK)

This study examined whether graphic organizer instruction would facilitate comprehension, recall, and information transfer, and how much explicit instruction was necessary for independent generation of graphic organizers. Fifth graders read social studies information with or without graphic organizers and explicit instruction. Explicitness and…

The Growing Giftedness Model for teaching gifted students is presented, which includes the following features: identification that relies entirely on scores and on demonstrated performance; cluster grouping during elementary school and classes dominated by gifted students at the secondary level; acceleration and enrichment; creative expression…

Responds to Maureen Hallinan's review of research and recommendations regarding grouping students for instructional purposes. Contends that ability grouping is much more than an administrative practice. Concludes that the school's normative, social, and political climate should be the object of reform. (CFR)

This paper reviews barriers to developing work study options for students with mild mental retardation. These include the debate over the existence of the entity mental retardation, the relationship of political/economic factors and schooling, the purpose and content of secondary education, and the interaction of personal values with these…

The Baltimore City (Maryland) Public Schools system is the only major urban school system that has successfully implemented same-gender classes for African-American children, with specific emphasis on the male child. Reasons the approach avoids the problems of educational equity encountered in Detroit (Michigan) and Milwaukee (Wisconsin) are…

Ability grouping can impact students' self-esteem and cause segregation. Suggestions for using ability grouping beneficially include reassessing grouping assignments frequently, varying instructional levels and pace, assigning groups based on demonstrated needs and abilities, grouping students for only one or two subjects, and using ability groups…

Reports the findings from a three-year longitudinal case study of two single-sex General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) physics classes in a mixed comprehensive school in England. Results indicate that girls who elected to study physics in single-sex classes gain confidence in the subject. This gain in confidence is associated with…

This Special Report surveys existing conditions for Latino [superscript 1] language minority students in Indiana's schools and identifies the most significant problems and challenges for improving their learning. The report opens with an overview of recent demographic shifts in Indiana's K-12 student population, and makes an important distinction…

Tracking is a predominant method used by American public schools to instruct children of multiple abilities. Tracking has been highly criticized by scholars, however, for its detrimental effects on children's education. This paper investigates practitioners' rationale for using tracking and explores the effects of tracking in the classroom and on…

This study examines the relationship between class heterogeneity and scholastic performance in Israel's primary schools. The effect of school integration on academic achievement is explained via two main effects: (1) the "peer" effect, namely externalities that are induced by the composition of the teaching and learning environments; and…

Homogeneous grouping of mathematics students, the practice of grouping students of similar ability or achievement, is most prevalent at the high school level, often occurs at the middle and junior high school levels in schools that offer algebra, and occurs at the elementary school level as part of general groupings. This digest summarizes…

This study compared scores on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) of 50 seventh and eighth grade students receiving instruction in regular classroom settings and 50 seventh and eighth grade students receiving instruction in special education resource room settings. Scores from five test components were examined, including: Total Reading, Total…

Three fundamental changes in state focus are needed to improve urban education and prepare many more students to participate in society and the world. First, state boards of education must act upon the belief that all children can learn. Urban students need rigorous, top-quality curricula and instruction delivered by highly trained and competent…

Proceedings are reported of a seminar held to aid teachers, administrators, and educational leaders in understanding and working with Indian children. Difficulties encountered by Indian pupils in social-academic adjustment are presented in addition to an historical background of the Indian community. The need for better community and parent-school…