Instructional Stratification

• In Event: Tracking Inequity: Ability Grouping and Institutions

Abstract

Previous research has found that students in low-track classes and students who experience suspensions are more likely to drop out. Schools stratify students through academic tracking and exclusionary discipline and then push out students who end up in the bottom strata in a process we label instructional stratification. By placing students at the lower strata, schools deprive them of the educational opportunities necessary for success, widening the educational opportunity gap. Analyzing national data from the Educational Longitudinal Study, our findings indicate that students in non-college preparatory courses had significantly higher suspension rates than students in college preparatory classes.

Authors

• Kristian Edosomwan, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Jemimah L Young, Texas A&M University

• Bettie Ray Butler, University of North Carolina Charlotte