07/10/2000

Further Discussion of "Tracking"

In response to an article I wrote called, "The Perils of Tracking," I recently received a reader response that raises some thought-provoking points on the subject. I favor individualized instruction in group settings, with students helping each other or learning cooperatively whenever possible, to reduce competitiveness and encourage collaboration.

Consider this contrasting point of view as expressed by an SNET reader:

Challenge ALL Students More

"It is my observation that there is always a spread of ability in any group, be it academic, athletic, in business and every other area. The trick is not to make everyone 'the same' but to move the mean line of the bell curve out to the right as far as possible. That way, even those in the "left-tail" are still excellent and skilled, without discouraging those in the "right-tail.

"It's a hard burden to put on a child in grammar school to be a "mentor" or "peer tutor" to those who aren't keeping up. It's hard enough to make the adjustment to school yourself without having to be responsible for someone else. I thought that was the teacher's job!

"I'm not disputing the benefits that someone can derive from being a mentor to someone else. But I feel that it's an experience that requires greater intellectual and personal development than we can expect from grammar school children. In my academic and business career it's been rare to find an adult who is capable of being a true mentor. How much harder it must be for a child!

"Self-esteem is an important thing for anyone. But true self-esteem comes when we realize our own power and capabilities. Simply telling a child who is reading poorly that they are in the same class as kids who find reading easier is not going to help their self-esteem. It's only when they, too, reach a higher level of ability and understanding that they'll have that positive experience.

"I feel that putting everyone together tends to be anti-intellectual, discouraging the students with greater ability. These are always the ones who 'push the pile forward.' They need to be encouraged, challenged and developed. Every student should be responsible only for making themselves as skilled as they can, regardless of the point from which they start.

"Parents and educator who argue for a level playing field in the classroom don't seem to carry that philosophy over into athletics and extra-curricular activities. Imagine the outcry if we asked coaches to play every child equally, regardless of ability! Where would all those athletic scholarship hopefuls be then? People need to recognize that mental ability is malleable and can improve throughout life, long after physical gifts fade. If our children are to be successful in life, we need to place greater emphasis on developing these mental gifts early.

"It's time to reverse the two approaches, in my view. Encourage excellence in classrooms the way we do in athletics and level the playing field in athletics."

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What do you think? Should we put more energy and effort into increased academic excellence and put less energy and effort into athletics? Can our schools afford to do both?

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.