Theory of Knowledge class, which investigated the philosophical nature of knowledge, and the reasons we pursue it. I feel that, had I not been placed in a higher-track learning environment, I would never have been able to participate in this level of curriculum or sophistication. I do not mean to downplay standard education methodology, but there are undeniably some that are able to circumvent and surpass the standard education in todays schools. Undoubtedly, in order to provide students with the necessary options, ability tracking is a viable solution.According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education evidence for the effectiveness and consequences of ability grouping for academic achievement is not strong enough to provide conclusive support for any [position].(Perceptions) Students in tracking programs are not asked to underachieve by any means, simply to achieve the best they can. I didnt find that I benefited much from having peers in a similar academic class to my own, nor would I think it would hinder me to have a variety of students of different academic or social stratas in my midst. Many critics of Ability Grouping claim it is a biased program, intent on promoting education for white upper-middle class Americans, while hindering other racially and economically disadvantaged students by tracking them from an early age, and not realizing their full capabilities. I believe this practice can and does happen in todays schools, as it would happen given any education system. The answer to racial and social bias is simple: we as a society must find a way to look beyond skin color or money in educating our youth. Whether this is a feasible possibility is another paper entirely. Classroom InstructionSome critics argue that the quality of instruction can vary too much across tracks, thus being disadvantageous to students in lower tracks. Although this may be true to a certain extent, I dont believe that the gap between t...
