CMT Analysis for the Class of 2016

August 2010: SREE is analyzing CMT outcomes for the Class of 2016 (the first class through Middle School Reform last year).

Download a draft version of the findings.

The Cause: we support middle school reform, and flexible ability grouping

2009: The two are not incompatable - in fact, flexible grouping in some subjects will help allow the reform to succeed. We want all children at every level in the Stamford schools to thrive. We believe all children should be challenged in appropriately grouped classes, moving at the pace and depth that is right for them. We believe that having multiple, flexible ability-based groups in some subjects is an essential component of this, and that the trend toward full heterogeneous grouping in the district schools should be reversed. See full position and why now is the time to take action

The Research: ability grouping is good for everyone

2009: The "research" presented to the Middle School Reform Committee and to the School Board by the administration painted a picture that moving towards heterogeneous grouping is a "no lose" proposition: that it helps lower performers with no cost to higher performers. This seemed so at odds with our own experiences on grouping from within the school system that a group of concerned parents set out to review the research on the subject directly - we found that, in fact, the research presented was one-sided, misleading, and inapplicable to Stamford. See the full story: the REAL research

The #1 issue this election! Add your voice to the debate!

2009: Many feel that the administration turned a deaf ear to our concerns this Spring and that the invitation-only, administration-controlled Middle School Advisory Committee is compiling a one-sided "evaluation" of heterogeneous grouping. In response, we have turned this into the #1 issue this campaign cycle. The Advocate reports it is the one issue "that shows signs of differentiating the five candidates," and the moderator of a recent candidate forum reports that well over half of the questions submitted to him were on this topic. Sign the endorsement and register your comments and experiences on the subject

Contact us with questions or comments or if you would like to become more involved at: admin AT StamfordREE.org

Paid for by Stamford Residents for Excellence in Education, Nicole Zussman, Treasurer.