The current read aloud in Reading Workshop is Freak the Mighty written by Rodman Philbrick. Max, a struggling reader is placed with the "smart" kids so that he can be with Kevin, his disabled friend. Although the placement is based on the needs of Kevin, it brings to question the decision about placing students in classes.
Ability grouping is the practice of sorting students, mostly in elementary and middle school, into classes based on their ability level. Those for ability grouping claim it increases student achievement because teachers can provide instruction at the appropriate level that is neither too easy nor too hard for most students.
One of the main arguments against ability grouping is that it creates classes of low achievers who miss out on stimulating discussions with higher achievers. Labeling students may also communicate self-fulfilling low expectations.
Will Max benefit from being placed in the class with higher achievers? Would you prefer to be in a class that is ability grouped? Why or why not?
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