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Ability grouping helps top students, and doesn't hurt weak students
Tracking middle-schoolers by math achievement doesn't hurt weaker students, but stronger students learn more.

Joanne Jacobs
May 42 min read


IQ matters: All things equal, some students will learn more than others
Improving schools won't narrow achievement gaps: Some kids are better able to take advantage of learning opportunities.

Joanne Jacobs
Jun 22, 20252 min read


Seattle is losing top students: 'We don't serve their needs'
Seattle is closing special schools for advanced students -- and losing students to private schools.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 26, 20252 min read


'Multilevel classes' aren't equitable or excellent, say teachers
Mixing high-achieving, average and low-achieving students in the same class was a noble experiment, writes Ryan Normandin, a high school...

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 11, 20242 min read


Achievers need a chance to go faster, fly higher
"Differentiating instruction" in a class with a wide range of performance levels doesn't work for high achievers -- or anyone else.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 30, 20241 min read


AI tutoring is ready for prime time
Artificial intelligence is generating laughs -- but not much respect -- due to the implosion of Google's Gemini tool. (It's not just the...

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 2, 20242 min read


Detracking in Shaker Heights: 'Honors' for all, lower expectations
All Shaker Heights students take honors classes -- or classes with an "honors" label. The "enriched" and "advanced" tracks are gone,...

Joanne Jacobs
Aug 17, 20232 min read


Is 'equity' the enemy of excellence?
The "exodus of families from traditional public-school districts is a warning message," writes Jessica Levin on EdPost. Focusing...

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 4, 20223 min read
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