There has been little research exploring pupils' satisfaction with their ability group placement. This article explores the extent to which pupils are happy with their placement, and the reasons they give for wanting to move to another class or set. The sample comprised over 5000 Year 9 pupils (aged 13-14 years) in 45 mixed secondary comprehensive…

The aim of this article is to explore pupils' preferences for particular types of grouping practices, an area neglected in earlier research focusing on the personal and social outcomes of ability grouping. The sample comprised over 5000 Year 9 pupils (aged 13-14 years) in 45 mixed secondary comprehensive schools in England. The schools represented…

The use of ability grouping is frequently justified on the grounds that it is an effective means of raising attainment. Little large-scale quantitative research has been undertaken since the introduction of the National Curriculum in England and Wales. The aim of this article is to examine the effects of setting on students' achievement in…

During the 1990s, there was considerable emphasis on promoting particular kinds of pupil grouping as a means of raising educational standards. This survey of 2000 primary schools explored the extent to which schools had changed their grouping practices in response to this, the nature of the changes made and the reasons for those changes.…

There has been little research on pupils' experiences of ability grouping. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of primary-aged pupils regarding the purpose and practice of within and between class ability grouping; their experiences of those practices; and how their attitudes to school, self-perceptions and behaviour were affected. The…

Examines within class ability grouping for mathematics in six classes. One primary school sample included 145 children, ages 3 to 5. Reveals considerable overlap between standardized test scores of children in high-, middle-, and low-ability groups. Finds significant, but weak correlation between mathematics ability and mathematics self-concept.…

Samples 10 each of primary, secondary and special schools as a means of investigating the development of curricula for children experiencing learning difficulty. Describes the method of qualitative data analysis. Develops a model of the curriculum development process based on the interrelationships of the categories found in the analysis. (KO)

Presents a comparative analysis of curriculum development methods in 10 elementary and 10 secondary schools in Great Britain. Reports that interviews and documentation were analyzed using grounded data categories and grouped into a model. Identifies differences in the manner of schools' provision for children with learning disabilities. Discusses…