Tracking got a bad rap in the past because once a kid got on the "slow" track, he wasn't able to get off. The sense was that it limited the educational and ultimately career options for a child.
This is NOT a necessary part of tracking, of course! Fluidity and frequent evaluation to move kids where they will learn best can (and SHOULD!) be a part of any system!
I wish ability grouping would be used more frequently. Putting kids with a solid peer group whenever possible is easier on the teachers and better for the kids.
