Ability Grouping

As a middle school art teacher, there is no such thing as ability grouping in an art classroom. Although I do try to group students with other students that are close to the same ability level and thinking level, it is still hard to group students together based on ability. According to the district, we are required to teach each and every child, from the highly gifted (both academically and artistically) to the severely autistic self-contained student. I also teach ESOL, Special Education, and Resource students. This must all be done at the same time due to the inclusion of these students with others so they get the “socialization” aspect. My thoughts on ability grouping are that it is a great concept. Although for exploratory teachers, like myself, it is hard to construct a constructive learning environment to meet all needs of students.

            According to the classroom textbook, ability grouping has been going in ancient cultures for centuries. I found that it was very interesting how these cultures divided “normal” people from “gifted” people. Ancient Sparta defined giftedness in military terms. Athenian boys attended private schools and the Romans had all boys and girls attend first level schools but higher education was for boys only. In Renaissance Europe, they rewarded gifted artists, architects, and writers with wealth and honor. China’s 7^th century Tang dynasty brought child prodigies to the imperial court. They accepted a multiple-talent concept of giftedness, recognized that talents must be natured and believed children should be educated according to their abilities. What stands out to me is the regulations for the Renaissance European era. Most famous artwork was created during this time period. It was also a major stepping stone to art in the future. As an artist and art educator, I find myself regularly referencing this time period for art. The Europeans new how to teach the gifted, although, like other ancient cultures, wealth and honor took a major play. In today’s time, we still branch off the gifted students but wealth and honor are not a contributing factor any more. This has provided ample students with opportunities to learn, create, and grow further than just simply being in a classroom with peers. Society benefited from helping gifted students become professionals in the past and now.

            It also seems that more interest has come in spikes according to current events for that time period. The textbook mentions that the launching of Sputnik in 1957 triggered an American effort to improve education, particularly in science for gifted students. Now, we are pushing gifted students to think like engineers so they can develop further advancements in Engineering. I wonder how long this fad will last like the push during the 1950’s-1960. I feel that ability grouping is a great thing but only if education is still pushed in the future and not a fad that comes and goes.