Achievement and attitudinal differences among students in regular, remedial, and advanced classes

The collection of data by the National Center for Educational Statistics for the High School and Beyond study offered an opportunity to examine differences in achievement and attitudinal measures among students in regular, remedial, and advanced classes. Groups of low achieving and high achieving sophomores and seniors were identified on the basis of overall grades. Comparisons were made between students in regular and ability-grouped English and mathematics classes. The data were consistent with views that grouping leads to improved achievement and attitude toward subject matter for students in regular and remedial classes. The data were not consistent with a view that remedial group placement leads to poor self-concept or attitude toward school.