The foreword to our Tracking and Detracking report (December, 2009) is quoted prominently in a recent Chicago Tribune editorial. Apparently the Windy City is having a bit of a debate over whether or not it's okay to group students according to their abilities. The discussion was sparked when Evanston Township High School decided to get rid of a high honors freshman humanities course. Parents are protesting the decision and the Tribune is siding with parents, apparently.
A related column in the Tribune also quotes Checker/our report on the matter: ?Middle schools with more tracks have significantly more math pupils performing at the advanced and proficient levels and fewer students at the needs improvement and failing levels.?
?Amy Fagan