Originally Posted by amylou
Let's not forget that differences in environment also contribute to the gap.

If the home environment is a factor in lower achievement (which I believe it is), then focusing on the school environment won't correct the problem. But refusing to ability group does create new problems for any students who aren't moving at the group's pace.

Giving extra help to low SES may help them if done thoughtfully (which is wonderful). But I don't see why this means that kids who need a much faster or slower pace have to be gypped out of meaningful learning opportunities.