I found it very interesting that they do it this way for DS5 and wondered if it meant change is afoot and grouping was coming back in. He also gets differentiated homework--in fact, his HW is at about the second grade level most days, but I believe his teacher is making a special effort for him there.

DD9 did not get any grouping at all at this age, though she was at a different school. DS's teacher is young. I believe this is her third year. DD's teacher was probably on year 15-20 and very much operated in "This is how I do and this is how I have always done it" mode.