Tracking: Student Perceptions of Their Success in School
Tracking is the process whereby students are sorted and placed in classes. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in student performance within the same class if some opt for college preparatory credit, and others opt for general (lower level) credit. Additionally, are student perceptions of their own abilities altered according to their track? The subjects were twelfth grade students assigned to a class called General English (12G). From this group, eight students were randomly chosen to answer questionnaires and participate in interviews. During regularly scheduled class time, the researcher administered and scored assignments and tests. Results indicated that when students chose a higher track, their self-esteem rose. Results also indicated that the self-esteem of students who opted for a lower track remained constant.
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