ERIC Number: ED351426
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1992-Oct
Pages: 3
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0889-8049
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Successful Detracking in Middle and Senior High Schools. ERIC/CUE Digest, Number 82.
Ascher, Carol
In light of recent calls by educational organizations to abolish tracking because of its role in perpetuating inequities in achievement among racial and ethnic groups, this digest looks at current school detracking efforts. An initial section reviews the extent and reasons for tracking and the concerns raised when detracking is proposed, noting that some studies indicate that high achieving students do well in tracked situations because they benefit from the enriched environment, not because of the homogeneity of the group. A central section summarizes the following changes necessary for a successful detracking effort: (1) a culture of detracking and a commitment to being inclusive; (2) parent involvement, particularly among middle-class parents who can be detracking's most vigorous opponents; (3) professional development and support for teachers as detracking depends on teachers being actively involved in the change; (4) phase-in change process over time and with flexibility; (5) a willingness to rethink all routines; and (6) district and state support. Also covered are models for instruction in heterogeneous classes, the need for alternative assessment in a detracked school, and mention of the Accelerated Schools model. (Included are nine references.) (JB)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Educational Change, Educational Discrimination, Educationally Disadvantaged, Equal Education, Heterogeneous Grouping, High Risk Students, High Schools, Individualized Instruction, Middle Schools, Minority Group Children, Parent Participation, Program Implementation, School Policy, Secondary Education, Track System (Education)
ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education, Teachers College, Box 40, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 (free).
Publication Type: ERIC Publications; ERIC Digests in Full Text
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education, New York, NY.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A