Debate Preparations

S H O U T O U T   

to Amy Ortiz  who manages a very organized blog. Notice how each day she posts, she organizes her Quick Writes and reflections and gives just enough context so that any reader anywhere in the world can understand. Also, check out Stephanie Tonwe's blog. Like Amy's, Stephanie's post on Wednesday was reader-friendly, and her summary of her reading was thoughtful and well organized. 

Today's Aim: How do we analyze tracking, ability grouping, and cluster grouping through the lens of mindset?  

Quick Write: In your opinion should smart kids have their own classrooms or schools like Stuyvesant or Bronx Science? Why or why not?

Today we will prepare for a debate tomorrow on an educational concept called tracking. Two related concepts are ability grouping and cluster grouping. There are two sides to these ideas and they can be very controversial. As you read about the pros and cons of tracking students according to ability or intelligence, put yourself in the shoes of "smart" students, parents of "smart" students, struggling students, and parents of struggling students. Also, research these ideas "through the lens" of mindset. How does Carol Dweck even define a smart student? Research to find out what if anything Dweck has to say about tracking. 

Step 1: Research these concepts, taking notes on the graphic organizer. Hard copies of the graphic organizer are available in the classroom.
Click here for the graphic organizer to help you identify claims and counterclaims.
Hint: You might begin your research by googling "tracking in education." 

Step 2: Before you leave today, summarize the major claims and counterclaims to these concepts. Come in tomorrow prepared to debate either side of the issue!!!!