Examines the relationship between ability grouping of media writing students and their writing competence over time. Finds that students in the different ability groups start the media writing course with a wide gap in mechanical skill level; the gap is eliminated at final exam time. Notes that when students are measured on the same set of skills…

Demonstrates the usefulness of ability grouping in a "media, writing, and information gathering" course to improve students' writing skills. Notes students improved to the point where the gap in skills between ability groups was eliminated. Finds objective tests of mechanical skills did not predict students' writing ability. Suggests writing…

Suggests a positive relationship between ability grouping of media writing students and improved competence in mechanical skills such as grammar and Associated Press style. Finds that students' place in the remedial ability group improved to the point where their skill level was not significantly different from students in the regular ability…