Blog 7: Why schools need to take another look
In the article "Tracking: Why Schools Need to Take Another Look" by Jeannie Oakes, the author critiques the practice of "tracking" in schools, where students are grouped based on perceived ability, often resulting in unequal opportunities and reinforcing social inequalities. Oakes argues that tracking creates a system that disproportionately disadvantages students from marginalized backgrounds, particularly low-income and minority students, by placing them in lower-level courses with fewer resources and opportunities.
Oakes also goes into depth that tracking can limit students' potential by restricting their access to advanced learning and by reinforcing stereotypes and biases. She advocates for schools to reconsider or eliminate tracking systems and instead adopt practices that provide all students, regardless of their background or perceived ability, with equal access to challenging curriculum, high expectations, and support. All in all, The article highlights the need for an inclusive, equitable approach to education that nurtures the diverse capabilities of all students and provides opportunities for success, rather than sorting them into predetermined educational paths based on assumptions.
Hi Paige! I really enjoyed your post. I agree that it's super important to recognize the capabilities of each student rather than group them together based on pre-conceived notions.
ReplyDeleteOakes makes an argument about how tracking reinforces inequalities and limits students' potential based on assumptions rather than true ability. By restricting access to learning opportunities, tracking can unfairly disadvantage students and create educational gaps. Schools should strive for more inclusive approaches that challenge and support all students, helping a system that encourages growth rather than predetermined outcomes.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this passage, I felt ont he fence about tracking, as it seems in my own personal experiences, it assists in accelerating my path if it is possible to do so. But, after finishing the passage I took into consideration the varying situations eople are in, academically, finaically, socially, etc., and had to take myself out of my own shoes for a seconds to realize not everyone lives the same life. Just because I "think" tracking worked for me, does not mean it is universally as beneficial, if beneficial at all for all students.
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