Intelligence Quotients have been used in special education to determine students' learning potential. I.Q. tests measure verbal and mathematical ability in relation to students' school performance. Two major problems with I.Q. scores have arisen. First, these scores have been viewed as permanent, leading to limited expectations for student learning. Second, I.Q. scores don't look at total student performance.

Howard Gardner has developed seven clusters that he believes represent a better model of human intelligence. He.believes that educators should systematically provide instructional strategies and learning experiences for all of these learners. His seven "intelligences" are:

• Verbal/Linguistic is the ability to think in words and to use language to acquire, process, and express complex meaning.
• Musical/Rhythmic is the ability to use melody, rhythm, and pitch to express oneself and to communicate.
• Logical/Mathematical is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complex mathematical operations.
• Visual/Spatial is the ability to think and express oneself in three dimensions, as artists and architects do.
• Bodily/Kinesthetic is the development of highly refined physical skills, such as dancers, athletes, and artisans have.
• Intrapersonal is the ability to know oneself clearly and to perceive and develop an accurate and effective internal model for self-direction.
• Interpersonal is the capacity to work and communicate effectively with other people, as exhibited by effective teachers, counselors, and politicians.

Diverse teaching strategies should be used to reach each intelligence type in every subject area. Many students have strengths in more than one intelligence type, but some individuals become highly skilled in a single area. Consideration of these intelligences is crucial to planning for optimal learning. Examples of multiple intelligence learning experiences across the curriculum include:

• Write a sequel or next episode to a story or play.
• Analyze similarities and differences between selections in literature.
• Act out the meaning of vocabulary words in a game of charades.
• Find five different ways to classify a collection of leaves.
• Complete a KWL chart for the study of fossil fuels.
• Create a collage on a historical character.
• Design a story map for a reading selection
• Role play historic events.

Grouping is a teaching strategy in which students are assigned "learning teams" to maximize learning through sharing, cooperating, and communicating. The teacher facilitates and encourages students to gain knowledge through activities designed to strengthen understanding of content and skills.

Grouping should be taught to students in order to be used effectively. The teacher should explain to students the purpose of the group and the each member's responsibilities. In the early primary grades two or three students per group is effective. In the upper elementary grades, small groups working together should limited to five students.

Grouping assists students in many ways: application of higher-order thinking skills; problem-solving; acceptance of other students for talents brought to the group. Students learn to work on a collaborative team in achieving goals.