Student Grouping in Secondary Education

Abstract

How to group students in secondary education in order to meet the rigorous state academic standards is a topic of concern in the educational arena. Because of the variations in student academic abilities, we must realize the challenges facing educators. The extent of how to group and when to group is still an issue that is debated among educators. There are legal concerns and issues about the effects of grouping on academic and non-academic outcomes for the students. The practice of grouping has raised arguments about race, class and equity. Laws have been established to provide equal and fair education for all students. This study provides historical viewpoints and expert viewpoints about grouping in secondary education and provides data from a small case study to compare and contrast homogeneous grouping and heterogeneous grouping in middle school. Because of the variations in student academic abilities, it is important to identify the challenges facing educators. This study will examine the types of student grouping available to teachers and describe which type is most effective to achieve the highest level of student learning.