Derailing the Tracking Myth

Muriel Hykes President- Parents Association for Gifted Education, Williamsport Area Mensa Coordinator, Williamsport School District Gifted Advisory Council


February 28, 1996 A mind is a terrible thing to waste. The politically correct allies of Williamsport Area School Superintendent Martha Johnston Robinson, would add, "unless it is the mind of a gifted child."

The"detracking" that she advocates is nothing more than an attempt to sacrifice our high-potential children on the altar of mediocrity. Under the current system, children are grouped with others of their ability level. The district is not even using "tracking"! Dr. Robinson is proposing that children of all competence levels be put together in one classroom based solely on age. The gifted and high achievers would be used to teach the slower students! Each child has the right to progress at his or her own speed. Gifted children must not be forced do the work of teachers, unless the children are to be compensated for the loss of their valuable learning time. Just because a student is quick to grasp new material, doesn't mean that she can teach it to others. It is fiscally appealing replace paid staff with student labor. It is not educationally sound, unless you are training teachers. PA State Law mandates an exclusive program of special education for our mentally gifted children. Dr. Robinson's proposal would not provide this. Children learn best when they are with others who are similar in learning style. Kids always know who are the slow ones in the classes. Some would resent the plodding pace.

I would like Dr. Robinson to tell me how low income became equated to low IQ. This is an insult to all low income families! Many highly gifted individuals, myself included, come from low income homes. Although such children may not do well on achievement tests or get good grades, a high score on an IQ test is a statement of belief by someone, that this child has the potential to achieve, if given the specialized instruction that she needs (Thanks to Shikellamy School District for their tracked program for me). A belief that a child can succeed, isignificant progress toward the success of that child. When a highly capable individual is placed in a "mainstreamed" classroom, it is as if we're saying, we don't expect anything extraordinary from you. Currently at the Williamsport High School there is no gifted program that meets the State mandate of exclusivity. There are only honors courses for the motivated, "hard working" children. This emphasis which rewards only the high-achievers is "classist". These kids most likely come from homes where the parents supervise homework and provide a good study environment. This is where economic issues are involved. High achieving usually means there is a high work-ethic in the home. These children do deserve honors courses; but they may not be gifted. They will be the pillars of the community.

I am extremely worried about the students from poor homes, who although possessing great potential (high IQ), are put into standard courses where the teachers may not recognize their potential. Already the children who are brilliant but learning disabled (or learn in different ways) are frequently excluded from honors courses. This category (gifted LD, or gifted underachiever) is where people such as Einstein, Edison, and even Jerry Lewis belong. Will the hidden geniuses remain hidden at Williamsport? "Inclusion", "detracking", "mainstreaming", whatever the current education fad calls it, is useful for turning children of all kinds in uniform blocks on an assembly line. Our children deserve better. The State mandates special education for special kids. We demand it!

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Last update Jan 10, 1999