DBS CODE:  6152

INSTRUCTION:

Grouping:

The Somers Board of Education believes that instruction can be dramatically enhanced by grouping procedures and methods.  Students throughout the district shall be flexibly grouped within and between individual classrooms by ability, skill, interest level, and achievement.  Grouping practices shall include small focused groups as well as large group combinations.  Grouping practices may vary by subject and grade level.  Grouping of students can be flexible in calendar days, length of instruction period, class size, and other related factors at the judgment of the staff.  At the elementary and middle school levels, students shall be flexibly grouped in Language Arts and Mathematics.

Student needs that require additional support or enrichment should be strongly considered when developing instructional groups.  At the elementary level placement of students shall include, but not be limited to, input from classroom teachers as well as other certified support personnel.  Placement of students at the middle or high school levels should be determined cooperatively by the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), and staff.  Recommendations should include past achievement, course prerequisites, and content expectations.  The Superintendent shall report each June to the Board of Education the results of the implementation of this policy.

Adopted:  November 9, 1981

Revised:  September 27, 1982

April 28, 1997

October 13, 1998