Unpacking the Blackbox of Tracking Decisions

Susan argues that tracking is educationally harmful to students placed at lowest tracks. Susan explains her argument in two different ways. First, Susan defines tracking and then explains how it has affected the curriculum. She states that tracking is grouping students by perceived abilities. The groupings are done into courses which are marked by differentiated curriculum. Secondly, Susan demonstrates the effects of the groupings and how they directly affect students` performance. Generally, the groupings have negative effects on the students` performance. When students are grouped in these groups they occupy different levels in the groups. Depending on the level that a student has been placed, his/her performance is greatly affected. A student placed at the lowest tracks often tends to perform poorly as compared to the students at the top. This impacts negatively the students` development and should therefore be abolished. Susan is a researcher and an educationist and therefore has a wealth of experience in dealing with educational issues. Susan substantiates her argument through the use of examples. In the explanation, Susan states that enrollment in a college-preparatory track makes it more likely that a student will attend college. She adds that this also ensures that the chances of a student clearing high school are increased. However vocational tracks do not increase a student`s chances of securing employment related to training. It also does not increase the chances of student avoiding unemployment. Non-vocational training on the other hand ensures higher wages. It also ensures that chances of employment are increased. Susan therefore opposes tracking due to the disadvantages that come with it. The disadvantages are more than the benefits. This makes it less valuable as it cannot efficiently satisfy the students` needs. Susan doesn`t recommend this program since it doesn`t benefit the entire student population. According to her, this program also leads to discrimination as some students are considered bette...