ility grouping and tracking, although the effect is insignificant. The public labeling of low track students may cause embarrassment, but the public display of academic deficiencies undoubtedly has a similar effect in heterogeneous classrooms. There, a low ability students performance is compared daily to that of high-achieving classmates. Although many parents and teachers are worried that ability grouping or tracking adversely affects students, this is simply not the case.Without tracking, we inhibit the abilities and possibilities for the gifted and talented students to succeed. In one recent national study of five content areas, elementary schol teachers eliminated an average if 35 to 50 percent of the regular school curriculum for gifted and talented students after tests at the start of the school year showed that these students had already master the content (perceptions). Just as it is important to not neglect the needs of our underprivileged children, we must also take into the account the needs of the gifted and talented students in our society. SolutionsThere are many possible solutions to Americas education crisis, however, the most logical and effective choice has yet to be chosen. There are many avenues our country can take in the pursuit of enabling all of America the opportunity to pursue a quality education, but ultimately, education lies in the hands of the students and teachers. I believe school districts, and even schools themselves must be given the choice between a tracked or fully inclusive learning environment. They must take in various socioeconomic factors in determining the best choice. This power should not lie in the hands of the centralized federal government. ConclusionIn todays society of economic prosperity and free will, it is important that we encourage our youth to succeed by any means possible. The answer to this, from and educators perspective, still lies with ability grouping, contrary to the post-...
