Ability tracking

Ability tracking

• Students placed into classes based on ability
• Honors, AP, IB vs. general, remedial
• Tracking within general classes (behavior etc.)

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“Educational tracking has been identified as a major mechanism through which inequality of educational opportunity is transmitted or maintained.”-LeTendre et.al.

Tracking and segregation

• Tracking varies along racial lines
• High Track: White and Asian
• Low Track: Black and Latino
• Contributes to the achievement gap

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parents and tracking

• White/Asian parents have more social capital
• High track students have parent advocates
• Low track students - working class families

Teachers and tracking

• Quality
• Preconceptions
• Expectations and Rigor
• Prevent "jumping track"

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students and tracking

• Dissatisfaction with tracks
• Unequal learning opportunities
• Fixed mindsets
• Attitudes toward self and others

SOLUTION 1:
Open all classes to all students

SOLUTION 2:
Detracking

Change in school culture