6152

Instruction

Grouping Policy

The placement of students in instructional groups, classrooms, and programs of study, has a significant impact on their educational and social development.  No one grouping or placement practice is best for all children under all circumstances, but some general principles are common to all proper grouping and placement decisions.  It is the policy of the Board of Education that grouping and placement decisions be based exclusively on educational considerations and that their primary goal be to promote the best educational interests of the students in question.

The Board does not endorse any particular method of grouping students. However, in making grouping and placement decisions within individual schools, staff members must give due regard to the following general principles:

•  Students can learn much from students whose skills and interests are different from their own in heterogeneous groups;

•  Different students have different skills and interests;

•  Students develop at different rates in different areas of learning;

•  Students learn from other students as well as from adults; and

Grouping and placement decisions should also reflect the fact that changes in a student's educational development may require changes in his or her placement.  Grouping and placement decisions, consequently, should be flexible, and they should be reviewed regularly to test their appropriateness.

Secondary Schools

Students may select their courses of study and classes when they are available. However, the students shall be advised of courses required for graduation, necessary to enter credit-bearing courses at the Connecticut University System or to meet their career choices.

Secondary students may be grouped to meet individual needs in certain subjects, such as English or mathematics. Principals shall avoid scheduling or grouping arrangements that “lock” a student into a particular grouping or track for the entire school day.

The placement of a student in an instructional grouping or level or a subject shall be discussed with the parent and be cooperatively decided by the student, parent/guardian, guidance counselor and administrator. A student’s assignment to a group or level shall not be considered permanent.

Policy adopted: