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 FAQs
What is tracking in education?
It groups students by measured academic ability into separate classes or curricular paths.
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.
What is the main criticism of tracking?
That low tracks draw disproportionately from low-income and minority students, hardening inequality.
Critics reply that low tracks draw disproportionately from low-income and minority students, which can harden the very inequality the practice claims to address.
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.
Source Wikipedia
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia Foundationen.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.
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.
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.
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.
View the Source Tracking (education) (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.
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