The audience will take away that grouping students by ability doesn't increase growth. However, when a group of 5 "foundation" Biology I students where placed into an honors Biology class they managed to rise to the occasion. Of the 5 students, only one was predicted to score proficient, the others weren't predicted to even pass. All five students scored proficient. What does this mean for us? Administrators, counselors, educators, we HAVE to stop ability grouping based on test scores. Instead, we need to focus more on behavior, on work ethic, and what is "at stake" for the student. Save "honors" for the students who need to be prepared for graduate level work. The rest? Teach to a high standard, group students based on behavioral compatibility, and let the students rise to the expectation. Don't drop your standards because "that's the best they can do" rise to the occasion.
Hanna has a background in Special Education, English, and Biology, and currently teaches Biology I at Sumner Hill Junior School. She has been part of a successful initiative to eliminate ability grouping to increase student success on the Mississippi Biology State Assessment. Hanna loves curriculum design but thrives in classrooms where students take ownership of and lead their own learning. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and works to bridge research-based practices with practical classroom application. Hanna is passionate about helping educators create engaging, rigorous learning environments that support diverse learners. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading and training her dogs to compete in agility trials across the South.