Hi Frank: I think every class occassionly has high and lower performers, and as teachers, we're presented with challenges of how to teach to diverse groups with wide ranges of ability. I just have to resign myself to the fact that, for whatever reasons, these students are expected to attend my class. My approach is "if they know the material, put them to work". When I've had exceptional students, and the activity is a discussion or group activity, I separate the high performers into their own group, and they get a more challenging exericse or topic. A related activity is to have the brighter students help the ones needing more attention. Most of the time, both student mentor and student(s) needing help appreciate the assistance from one of their own. And it may produce additional satisfaction for the helper students to know they're able to use their ability in a productive way. Regards, Barry