Ability grouping

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Home : 2001 : November : 27

Ability grouping
By Kris

I teach first grade and we have ability divided classrooms. Our whole first and second grades are ability grouped. There are four teachers at each grade level. One class for low-ability, and the other classes are for higher
students. The students are grouped for all subjects, not just reading.
The kids are tested at the beginning of the school year using a Title One/Chapter One test. The low-ability classroom teacher works closely with the Title/Chapter One teacher and the Title teacher spends an hour each day in the low-ability class. This time is used for small group work and intense language development.
Our

program was piloted last year, so this is the second year for it. It seems to be working very well! The teacher with the low kids likes team teaching with the Title One teacher, and none of her children have to be pulled out for Title-the teacher just comes to her room. The rest of the teachers are then able to do more higher level thinking activities with their kids. the goal of the low class is to get all students on grade level by the end of the year.