[quote] So I wonder why not take the top third of the grade and put in a class that is more challenging? Wouldn't this make it better? Or at least have the kids rotate class within the grade for a couple of subjects. I do realize some kids are better in some subjects than others. But it seems like it could be better just by doing this. Is there something I'm not getting here?
My magnet school has a mixed level homeroom class and they rotate for math and reading in grade 2 in which students are grouped by their abilities. Classes are sorted based on achievement tests, grades, and teacher feedback. The higher level classes must use the same curriculum but they are allowed to use higher level thinking assignments, compacting, and enrichment.
I like our leveled classes, I think it works. It is much easier to get differentiatation in the class when the students are closer in abilities.
And as for the tracking complaints, personally I'm tired of hearing them.
I live in a high minority low income county which also equates to low achieving. Subject acceleration is not allowed because its not fair to Maria, who came from a less-than-academically-rich home environment. Maria started off with a disadvantage so the pace must be slow so she can catch up.
I'm sorry that Maria started off with a disadvantage, but why should she be the one who gets to set the pace?
Instead of offering quality education, we set the bar low & grade skip the smart, if they are lucky.
Everyone must leave 5th grade on the same level or the world will stop spinning!
The real reason most people lobby against tracking is because it is assumed that it will cause the social gap to get bigger.
Just my 2 pennies