[Oz-gifted] RE: Ability grouping

[Kristy]

Just had another thought.

Education should enable a child to learn and develop to the best of THEIR 
ability. Ed systems still seem stuck on giving all children the same when 
the needs of the children differ. Why introduce, for ex, algebra to a child 
that has not yet master basic addition or multiplication because this is 
what 'needs' to be taught to this age/year group? Wouldnt this child benefit 
from being with a group of kids all of similar ability who need to spend 
more time with the basics so they can master them? Similarly why should 
children in the higher spectrum be stuck repeating concepts they have 
already mastered because the harder concepts are not taught until a year or 
two later? If they were ability grouped it would allow the children to learn 
at a pace that suits their needs.

I am repeatedly told that the curriculum framework allows for this and that 
each child will be given work for their own level but I dont see this in 
practice. There is some ability grouping within my childrens classes but its 
hard for the teachers to program for such varying needs. Within each class 
they have children from the entire spectrum. How is it possible for one 
teacher to manage such a range of needs for so many children without some 
missing out? With ability grouping the teachers can focus on one ability 
group.This would have to be beneficial both for the teachers and children.

uh oh, think I am on a mission here. Appointment with our schools deputy on 
Monday to throw some ideas around with him lol.

Kristy