Ability grouping is not just tracking anymore

Abstract

The No Child Lett Behind legislation, with its emphasis on conducting scientifically based research, has reopened the door to a set of instructional and curricular practices left for dead in light of the scathing criticism of Oakes and Slavin in the 1980s, mainly ability grouping. This article represents a review of the literature of best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among America's gifted and talented youth, whether they reside in an enrichment or resource room or the regular classroom. The review suggests that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. It is imperative that researchers in the field of gifted education take the lead in this endeavor so that no child, including the gifted and talented, will be left behind.