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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

flexible grouping

Learn more about flexible grouping

Reaching every learner: Differentiating instruction in theory and practice
This series of articles, which balance theory, research, and practice, address a variety of topics within differentiation through text, graphics, and video.
Format: series (multiple pages)
Reading comprehension: What works?
Teach reading comprehension in the elementary grades with flexible strategies that connect reading to the real world, promote independence, and keep students engaged.
By Mary Rogers Rose.
Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with technology
In Reaching every learner: Differentiating instruction in theory and practice, page 7
While most teachers recognize the need to differentiate instruction, many face barriers in implementation. These barriers include lack of time to prepare lessons, the need to cover a wide range of content in a small amount of time, and extensive classroom management needs. This article advocates for using technology as a means to overcome some of these barriers.
Format: article/best practice
By Bobby Hobgood, Ed.D. and Lauren Ormsby.
Branching out into politics: The structure of federal and state government
In CareerStart lessons: Grade eight, page 6.4
In this lesson plan for grade eight, students learn how the three branches of the U.S. government work together to accomplish their goals at the federal and state level.
Format: lesson plan
By Andrea Stewart, Keisha Gabriel, and Patty Grant.
Research and strategies for problem-centered math
A bibliography of research-driven strategies for teaching problem-centered math at all grade levels.
Format: article
By Libby Montagne.

Find all 6 resources in our collection.

Varying grouping strategies (combining, for example, whole group, cross-ability, student-selected, topic interest, multiage, partners, and/or ability groups) depending on instructional goals, activities, and student learning needs.

Additional information

Advocates of flexible grouping argue that it builds students’ ownership in the classroom community by allowing them to work cooperatively with peers.

Examples and resources

"Flexible Grouping" by Catherine Valentino provides more information on flexible grouping, including various roles and activities performed by students and teachers depending on group configurations.