Closing the Curriculum Gap: A Case Study of a School District Detracking Through Curriculum Design and Development

• In Event: Supporting the Academic Achievement of All Students Through Detracking: Lessons From the Trenches

Abstract

The practice of tracking students has been a prevalent educational strategy in schools to efficiently target instruction based on student ability. Yet, the outcomes of this practice have yielded negative results, such as lower student outcomes and opportunities (Burris & Garrity, 2008; Gamoran, 2008; Oakes, 2005). This ongoing case study describes how a school district located in a high poverty setting that allowed system of tracking to become a runaway train experienced transformation by detracking its entire preK-12 curriculum. The research focuses on the technical aspects of the curriculum design and development process as it pertains to detracking. Results indicate significantly higher student outcomes including increased college attainment, lower dropout rates, and greater access to curriculum.

Author

• Thomas W. Tramaglini, Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway