SOUND OFF: Does Heterogeneous Grouping Help Crofton Students Learn?

Thursday’s story about sparked a conversation about how it impacts Crofton students.

• How do you feel about the new classroom grouping?
• Do you think this will help or hurt individual student performance?
• Is this “teaching for the test?”

Come on, join the conversation. 

Here are some of the comments from the Crofton Patch Facebook Page. 

“I think heterogeneous grouping is the wrong answer. It is not an efficient use of resources and makes life more difficult for both teachers and students. Another disappointing movement w/in AACPS… I haven't heard anyone in Crofton say they're happy about it, but I can't speak for the whole town. ;) “ - Laura E. Gayvert  

“I can say that many 5th grade parents are discussing it and shaking their heads.” - Cynthia Kelly Bryl 

“Haven't heard any support for heterogeneous grouping, @Nicki Mayo. HAVE heard parents incorrectly say things like " oh I heard that AACPS changed that policy after the complaints. " spread the word!!” - Crofton, Maryland 

“How about boycotting the MSAs to protest "teaching to the test" and placing more value on a test score than on actual learning?” - Alison Vulgamore Wisnom 

“Alison, well worded. I always find it strange that a "standards" test is predicated by weeks of test-specific learning. The whole system needs revamping...” - Tom Erdely 

So what do you think?