[Oz-gifted] RE: Ability Grouping

[Kristy]

HI Michelle,

It feels that way to me too but I also think he is tied quite a bit by the 
WA Ed dept regulations. There is NO flexibility in the system. Kids must be 
placed in age group classes, I mentioned earlier my daughter had to be put 
back to year 1 when we transfer from a private school. He also said ability 
grouping went totally against the Ed depts policies, I cant remember the 
exact word he used and referred to as the 'buzz' word...possible inclusive.

The school is actually very forward thinking. Teachers are encouraged to try 
new methods and to work outside the square. The do ability group within the 
classroom. I was just curious as to what his reaction would be about ability 
grouper on a larger scale.

Kristy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michelle Gabriel" <mbgabs at ozemail.com.au>
To: <oz-gifted at rite.ed.qut.edu.au>
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 10:57 AM
Subject: [Oz-gifted] RE: Ability Grouping


> Hi Kristy,
> We have now been at 6 schools (scary when I count them all, but the kids
> did go to different schools sometimes) of those only 2 really listened
> to me and saw me as a person that they could fly ideas past and even
> change their way of doing things.  The others just gave me lip service
> or worse told me to let my child be!  They were not interested in my
> point of view as I was only a "mother".
>
> Now, may be the two schools listened to me because they know of the
> experience I now have under my belt or because I've now got the title of
> QAGTC President - Gold Coast Branch.  But I don't think so, I think it
> is because they have a different view on life and feel the education is
> a partnership between parents, teachers and the children and that it is
> not bureaucracy that teachers children to learn to their potential but
> having a flexible system that caters to all needs and being willing to
> listen to new ideas.
>
> I'm sorry but what you are saying this principal says sounds too much
> like "lip service" to me.  But then again it may just be changing a
> system really just seems too hard to some and it really is by having a
> strong leaders and committed visionary that things do change.
> Cheers
>
> Michelle G
>
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