[Oz-gifted] RE: Ability grouping

[Kristy]

I would like to get this back on track if I could. Without it being 
forwarded to another list. I too had a few concerns over that, the largest 
being unable to respond.

I have seen first hand the behaviour issues that come from a child being 
bored in class. I think its a sweeping generalisation to say that ability 
grouping is the same as grouping by behaviour. I have one child that acts 
out if he isnt stimulated in class and another that is quite happy no matter 
what she is doing. Incidentally the one that WAS accelerated is the one that 
just cruises along with anything and doesnt really care what year she is in 
or what work she is doing.

Earlier it was mentioned about how to group. I was specifically looking at 
the academic side of things and not what I consider extra-curricular, 
meaning art, singing, sport. These are activities that a child will be 
ability placed and taught outside of the school setting unless it is a 
school that has specialist programs. Even then the children will be ability 
taught. Cant see them grouping a bunch of piano students according to age, 
but then I may be wrong.

I mentioned quite early about using the WALNA, or something similar, as a 
basis for grouping. The children are already tested every second year. In 
between ability grouping would need some flexibility to allow children to be 
moved around if and when needed.

 I loved what Helen wrote regarding the year her child had. It sounded like 
a fantastic improvement on the norm.

Kristy