Beyond the Bubble: Helping
ALL Students to Excel
The standards-based accountability movement
has increased incentives for teachers to tailor instruction to “bubble
kids” -- the students
just below proficiency cut-offs on state exams. This “Raps” discussion
examined how to go “beyond the bubble” to serve all students--low,
middle, and high achievers--through improved instructional differentiation
and ability grouping arrangements.
The evening opened with a brief review of research findings about how
and why differentiation and ability grouping affect student achievement--examining
both cognitive and motivational factors. Then, guest panelists discussed
challenges, strategies for improving differentiation and the likelihood
of success under various circumstances. The audience "rap" discussion
considered the supports and resources required to affect change, and
how policymakers, teachers, parents, community members, business leaders,
and others can advocate to improve instruction for all students. The
wrap-up discussion focused on recommendations and next steps.
A diverse and seasoned group of researchers and practitioners spoke
from informed perspectives. Panelists included Professors Richard
Elmore and Tom Hehir of the Harvard Graduate School of
Education, Michelle
Burgos,
Teacher Leader, Roxbury, MA and Yvonne Allen, Teacher Leader,
Shaker Heights, OH. Ronald Ferguson, Faculty Co-Chair and Director
of the Achievement Gap Initiative presented the research overview.
Attendees had the opportunity to interact with panelists to explore
critical questions, including:
* How can teachers accommodate the top and the bottom of inclusive classes
and do justice to that distribution? What supports do teachers need to
make this happen?
* Which are we more likely to do well: have all teachers become really
effective at differentiating instruction in the classroom or have ability
tracking with excellent teachers at all levels?
* Under what circumstances can differentiation in a mixed-ability classroom
work well?
* How can we frame the main points from our discussion for policymakers,
parents, lawyers, doctors, and other people who are not in the education
field?
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Event Videos
Ron
Ferguson,
Research Highlights--Powerpoint
Slides
Richard
Elmore
Tom
Hehir
Michelle
Burgos
Yvonne
Allen
Discussion
Q & A
These videos are in realplayer
format (.rm); you can download a free player from www.real.com.
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