Homogeneous+Grouping+of+Gifted+Students


 * =**What is Homogeneous Grouping?**=

= = Grouping students based on their ability levels is generally referred to as Homogeneous Grouping. The basis of this method is to keep students who are at or around the same ability level together so that they can be challenged based on their individual educational needs. Their level of readiness for the tasks and challenges put forth to them is very similar, making learning a more streamlined assignment. There are several different ways that students can be grouped homogeneously.

=Within-Class Grouping=

This refers to student’s staying in the same class, but being divided into small groups based on their ability levels. This is usually done in a math or reading class.

//Example of Within-Class Grouping// A reading teacher has a class of students with different reading abilities and comprehension levels. For a book assignment she divides the class into two different groups. One of her groups is a more advanced group of students who are above the reading level for their grade. The other group has students who are below the reading level for that grade. She assigns each group a book that is an appropriate level for them and then works with each group during class on their particular assignments. || media type="custom" key="14035872" ||

**Between-Class Grouping[[image:Boy_at_Desk_1.jpg width="205" height="249" align="right"]]**
In this method the student’s will be separated into different classes based on their ability level. It can be as simple as taking a different class or as complex as having a completely different course track within the school schedule. This is sometimes called “tracking”. A more specialized way to do this is sometimes called “a school within a school”.

//Example of Between-Class Grouping//
A school system uses a standardized test that covers multiple subjects to discern the high achieving students in a school. Those students are then grouped together in a separate class (or group of classes) and assigned to specific teachers who will work with them at a more advanced level.

**Special Schools[[image:Teacher_-_Mad.jpg width="202" height="173" align="left"]]**
There are specific schools that are geared towards gifted students. Magnet schools, special schools for the gifted and even private schools can all be considered a homogeneous way to group gifted students.

//Examples of Special Schools//
A magnet school dedicated to science and technology; a school with a specific pre-requisite for IQ (or other cognitive ability based scoring) that is dedicated to working with those high achieving learners ;a private school with an extremely rigorous curriculum;

For further information on homogeneous grouping of gifted students:

[] A brief article on gifted students - Gifted Students: What is Best for Them?

[] An article on the grouping practices of gifted students.

[] Ability Grouping and Student Achievement in Elementary Schools: A Best-Evidence Synthesis

[] Ability Grouping in Elementary Schools.

Davis, G. A, Rimm S. B., & Siegle, D. (2011). //Education of the Gifted and Talented, 6th Edition.// Indianapolis: Pearson.