Susan, one technique I have used when working with diverse and small groups is to setup a grading rubric that focuses on what is required to achieve different levels of grades. For those students looking to just achieve the minimum you have the standard learning outcomes required by the course. For those that want to earn a higher grade, their efforts will need to be greater than others in the class so you may have different assignments that can be completed once the minimal requirements are achieved. A student that is interested in earning the highest score in the class will of course be expected to achieve the highest level of understanding and demonstrate that high level understanding. This is a very helpful technique with you have a large gap of skill sets you need to accommodate in a single group of students. Regards, James Jackson