Originally Posted by Val
Originally Posted by 22B
I'm all for tracking and vocational training. I don't see how having a set of standards contradicts any of that.

Generally speaking, our public school system doesn't see it that way. The trend among educators and especially those involved in education policy is that the "achievement gap" between different SES groups MUST be closed. Ability grouping of any kind exacerbates the gap and therefore must not be allowed.

I'm sure you're right that some people "think" like that. But it should be made clear that there are more than two sides to this debate. I'm all for standards that can be used for measuring achievement, but am vehemently opposed to the goal of equal achievement for all.