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Some studies suggest ability grouping positively impacts academic achievement in specific subjects and settings, while other studies indicate negligible or mixed effects, particularly for low-ability and minority students.
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Ability grouping, the practice of dividing students into groups based on their academic abilities, has been a topic of extensive research and debate. This synthesis examines the impact of ability grouping on student achievement across various educational levels and contexts.
Overall Impact on Achievement:
Impact on Different Ability Levels:
Subject-Specific Effects:
Social and Motivational Effects:
Impact on Minority and Low-SES Students:
The impact of ability grouping on student achievement is complex and varies depending on the context and implementation. While high-ability students may experience slight benefits, low-ability students often face negative consequences. Within-class grouping and subject-specific cross-grade grouping can be effective strategies, particularly in mathematics and reading. However, the overall benefits of ability grouping are minimal, and its implementation should be carefully considered to avoid exacerbating achievement inequalities, especially among minority and low-SES students.
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