When I was in the 5th or 6th grade I tested three levels below where I was supposed to be in mathematics. It wasn't because I was brilliant and board, it was simply because I was board and didn't care. Yet, because I was a home schooled student I was able to progress at a normal rate in my other classes without being lumped in with other underperforming students. I eventually found a modicum of enjoyment in mathematics through my love of science and went on to minor in the subject in college.
(I realize this is an anecdotal story, but I still think it has some relevance to this discussion.)
I hope that if the public school system adopts a program of grouping students by "ability" they will find a way to attempt to push underperforming students ahead as fast as possible. Interacting with other kids who were better at math in some of the sciences classes I took helped me improve my skills in math. I don't know if I would have done that if I was in classes full of other kids who were constantly underperforming all the time.
(I realize this is an anecdotal story, but I still think it has some relevance to this discussion.)
I hope that if the public school system adopts a program of grouping students by "ability" they will find a way to attempt to push underperforming students ahead as fast as possible. Interacting with other kids who were better at math in some of the sciences classes I took helped me improve my skills in math. I don't know if I would have done that if I was in classes full of other kids who were constantly underperforming all the time.