The commentator finds that Slavin's synthesis is limited by its failure to distinguish between school and classroom organization and classroom instruction as well as the lack of consideration of intervening circumstances. (SLD)

To summarize knowledge on the effects of grouping and tracking in secondary schools, this synthesis uses ethnographic research to interpret the findings of survey analyses, and uses survey studies to assess the causal implications and degree to which ethnographic findings can be generalized. Survey studies consistently report that academic-track…

Because the stratified levels in schools and school systems bear widely accepted symbolic statuses, a student's position in the hierarchy may influence the pattern of his or her educational career independently of scholastic achievement. A study was conducted to investigate the simultaneous effects of the rank of students' reading groups in first…

Research on stratification in schools shows that the differentiated structure of schools is associated with increasing inequality of educational outcomes. Some writers have therefore advocated "detracking"--the elimination of stratification within schools. Other writers have suggested that differentiation within schools is possible without the…

A study examined the processes and criteria of assignment to honors English classes in the context of the transition from middle to high school. Five midwestern school districts--four public school districts and one Catholic diocese--participated in the study. Data consisted of interviews with school staff, school records, and student survey…

Findings of a study that investigated whether or not ability grouping can be implemented more effectively are presented in this paper, with a focus on exploring possible instances of high quality instruction in low ability classes. Methodology involved observation, teacher questionnaires and interviews, student tests and questionnaires, and…

Data from 882 high school students in 48 mathematics classes demonstrate that student achievement is significantly lower in general-track classes than in college-preparatory classes, with achievement in transition classes (classes in California and New York bridging the gap between elementary and college-preparatory mathematics) falling between…

Examines effects of tracking in high schools under different structural settings (selectivity, electivity, inclusiveness, and scope), using data for 20,762 students in 805 public and 78 Catholic high schools. Schools vary significantly in the magnitude of track effects on mathematics and verbal achievement. Catholic schools' tracking structures…

Using data from the High School and Beyond Survey, the author examines the effects of secondary educational academic tracking on educational stratification relative to racial, sexual, and socioeconomic inequality. Finds that current tracking practices produce less inequality among Blacks and females. Also finds that noncollege programs are not…

Several studies in the 1980s found that Black students were more likely to be enrolled in college-preparatory programs than Whites of equal achievement and family background. These findings contradict suspicions that tracking systems create more Black-White inequality than would occur without them. However, a weakness of one study supporting this…

Processes and criteria used in assigning students to honors English classes in 5 communities (n=approximately 1,800 students) were studied through qualitative and quantitative data. Similarities and differences in the five districts are detailed, with attention to past ability-group positions and the role of socioeconomic status. (SLD)