Tracking, also called streaming or phasing, groups students by measured academic ability into separate classes or curricular paths, either for one subject or across a whole course of study. Supporters say tracking lets a teacher pitch pace and material to a group's actual ability level; critics reply that low tracks draw disproportionately from low-income and minority students, which can harden the very inequality the practice claims to address. The Tripartite System that organized English and Welsh secondary education until the 1970s was one of the most influential tracking systems, though most English-speaking countries have since moved away from rigid tracking toward more flexible grouping.
Facts
Key ProvisionA stated advantage is that it lets teachers direct lessons more precisely toward the ability level of the students in each class. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Growth mindset research is cited in debates over tracking, with proponents arguing that promoting a growth mindset can raise achievement regardless of a student track placement.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia Foundationen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), lead section, definitionQuote, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), lead section, definition
Tracking, phasing or streaming refers to grouping students by academic ability for all subjects or certain classes and curriculum within a school.
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia Foundationen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), Advantages section, teacher pacingQuote, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), Advantages section, teacher pacing
A major advantage of tracking is that it allows teachers to better direct lessons toward the specific ability level of the students in each class.
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia Foundationen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), Disadvantages section, compositionQuote, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), Disadvantages section, composition
Low-track classes tend to be primarily composed of low-income students, usually minorities, while upper-track classes are usually dominated by students from socioeconomically successful groups.
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia Foundationen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), International Perspective section, Tripartite SystemQuote, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), International Perspective section, Tripartite System
Tracking was once popular in English-speaking countries, but is less used now; tracking systems formed the basis of the Tripartite System in England and Wales until the 1970s.
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Growth Mindset, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), growth mindset discussionQuote, Associated With: Growth Mindset, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_(education), growth mindset discussion
Dweck implies that teachers who promote a growth mindset could stimulate students to greater academic achievement regardless of tracking.
Reader Challenges (0 open reader challenges)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.
View At A Past Year
The atlas records no dated fact of its own for this entry, so there is no other year to choose.