With the push for mastery for our low performers and enrichment for our higher functioning students, should we group students more by ability as opposed to grade level. According to Teacher Magazine, this has become an increased practice. Much of the positive research focused on middle and senior high and addressed the academic benefits. With states that have non-spiraling standards, I am curious how this measure would work in elementary schools.
Scarcity of resources and class-size compliance may make the doubters more receptive to this practice. This also opens the debate to heterogeneous vs. homogeneous grouping. What do you think?
Source: Fox News The Helena, Montana Public School system has a proposal that includes teaching kindergartners sex education was debated Tuesday evening at a school board meeting.The proposal already has been criticized as school administrators consider a comprehensive plan for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.The plan includes teaching first graders that people can be attracted to the same gender. In second grade students are instructed to avoid gay slurs and by the time students turn 10 years old they are taught about various types of intercourse. Fifth-graders should “understand that sexual intercourse includes but is not limited to certain forms of penetration.”To view the comprehensive plan, click here
