Every time I bring up information about the success of detracking initiatives, I get told I’m arguing from ideology
October 23, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Every time I bring up information about the success of detracking initiatives, I get told I’m arguing from ideology
SUHSD has a long history of segregation and unequal educational opportunity. Yet the current debate focuses more on restoring honors classes than expanding opportunities for all students. www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/10/19/b...
Plan to eliminate honors classes becomes issue in Bay Area school board races
Some districts have proposed “detracking” — removing accelerated classes — as one way to close persistent academic achievement gaps.
www.eastbaytimes.com
October 19, 2026 at 5:53 PM
SUHSD has a long history of segregation and unequal educational opportunity. Yet the current debate focuses more on restoring honors classes than expanding opportunities for all students. www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/10/19/b...
New evidence is emerging on math pathways & it matters for policy and practice.
The EdWorkingPapers section of our Math Pathways Evidence Hub features open-access studies on placement policies, detracking, & math access.
Explore the Math Pathways Evidence Hub: buff.ly/05ikAj5
The EdWorkingPapers section of our Math Pathways Evidence Hub features open-access studies on placement policies, detracking, & math access.
Explore the Math Pathways Evidence Hub: buff.ly/05ikAj5
February 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
New evidence is emerging on math pathways & it matters for policy and practice.
The EdWorkingPapers section of our Math Pathways Evidence Hub features open-access studies on placement policies, detracking, & math access.
Explore the Math Pathways Evidence Hub: buff.ly/05ikAj5
The EdWorkingPapers section of our Math Pathways Evidence Hub features open-access studies on placement policies, detracking, & math access.
Explore the Math Pathways Evidence Hub: buff.ly/05ikAj5
I think this interview provides a good entry point to thinking through tracking / detracking:
annehelen.substack.com/p/the-case-f...
annehelen.substack.com/p/the-case-f...
The Case for Detracking
And why and how it can actually work
annehelen.substack.com
April 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I think this interview provides a good entry point to thinking through tracking / detracking:
annehelen.substack.com/p/the-case-f...
annehelen.substack.com/p/the-case-f...
I do not study this specific area, but it seems like the largest push for detracking happened in the mid-80s to mid-90s:
www.brookings.edu/books/the-tr...
www.brookings.edu/books/the-tr...
The Tracking Wars
In this book, Tom Loveless describes how schools in California and Massachusetts reacted to de-tracking recommendations and discusses why some schools went along with detracking while others bitterly ...
www.brookings.edu
April 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I do not study this specific area, but it seems like the largest push for detracking happened in the mid-80s to mid-90s:
www.brookings.edu/books/the-tr...
www.brookings.edu/books/the-tr...
What the Research Says About Mixed-Ability Algebra Class
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
What the Research Says About Mixed-Ability Algebra Class
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking advocates argue that everyone benefits from mixed ability classes, but there was no increase in test scores for higher achieving students in this experiment.
seekknowledge.online
December 17, 2024 at 3:59 PM
What the Research Says About Mixed-Ability Algebra Class
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
🚨 New episode now live! 🎧
I’m joined by Thomas Briggs and David Shuck to discuss why bad education ideas influency policy—even when they go against evidence.
We discuss specific examples, like math detracking in San Francisco, flawed advanced placement decisions, the New York Math briefs and more.
I’m joined by Thomas Briggs and David Shuck to discuss why bad education ideas influency policy—even when they go against evidence.
We discuss specific examples, like math detracking in San Francisco, flawed advanced placement decisions, the New York Math briefs and more.
May 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM
🚨 New episode now live! 🎧
I’m joined by Thomas Briggs and David Shuck to discuss why bad education ideas influency policy—even when they go against evidence.
We discuss specific examples, like math detracking in San Francisco, flawed advanced placement decisions, the New York Math briefs and more.
I’m joined by Thomas Briggs and David Shuck to discuss why bad education ideas influency policy—even when they go against evidence.
We discuss specific examples, like math detracking in San Francisco, flawed advanced placement decisions, the New York Math briefs and more.
🎙️ New episode drops tomorrow! I talk with Thomas Briggs and David Shuck about why ineffective education practices persist.
We talk about San Francisco's failed math detracking, the New York math briefs controversy, and more examples of education policy gone wrong.
We talk about San Francisco's failed math detracking, the New York math briefs controversy, and more examples of education policy gone wrong.
May 14, 2026 at 7:07 PM
🎙️ New episode drops tomorrow! I talk with Thomas Briggs and David Shuck about why ineffective education practices persist.
We talk about San Francisco's failed math detracking, the New York math briefs controversy, and more examples of education policy gone wrong.
We talk about San Francisco's failed math detracking, the New York math briefs controversy, and more examples of education policy gone wrong.
In the age of social media, doing just a little bit of an unpopular thing is just as bad as doing a lot of an unpopular thing.
And detracking is insanely unpopular.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/education-...
And detracking is insanely unpopular.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/education-...
November 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
In the age of social media, doing just a little bit of an unpopular thing is just as bad as doing a lot of an unpopular thing.
And detracking is insanely unpopular.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/education-...
And detracking is insanely unpopular.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/education-...
Headed to @aeraedresearch.bsky.social #AERA2026 next week? Join the @accessdetracktrack.bsky.social for our annual visit to a school implementing a detracking program. Folks love this event!! 👇
Spaces are limited! Join the @accessdetracktrack.bsky.social for our Detracking School Site Visit at @aeraedresearch.bsky.social #AERA2026. Register now through the AERA conference registration site to secure your spot.
March 30, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Headed to @aeraedresearch.bsky.social #AERA2026 next week? Join the @accessdetracktrack.bsky.social for our annual visit to a school implementing a detracking program. Folks love this event!! 👇
I also think the intense focus on detracking does a disservice to advanced students of all backgrounds. Not unlike the "SAT is racist" line, the real issue is educational inequity beforehand. But there's a lot of gray area in all of that too.
December 2, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I also think the intense focus on detracking does a disservice to advanced students of all backgrounds. Not unlike the "SAT is racist" line, the real issue is educational inequity beforehand. But there's a lot of gray area in all of that too.
What the Research Says About Mixed-Ability Algebra Class
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
What the Research Says About Mixed-Ability Algebra Class
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking advocates argue that everyone benefits from mixed ability classes, but there was no increase in test scores for higher achieving students in this experiment.
seekknowledge.online
December 17, 2024 at 3:59 PM
What the Research Says About Mixed-Ability Algebra Class
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
Meanwhile, average students appeared to be unharmed. Those who had been randomly assigned to the new mixed level class had test scores in 11th grade that were no worse than those who had learned Algebra 1 separately. Some detracking…
I don't think you've accurately described this controversy. Detracking was a widespread trend supported by prominent Democrats. It was partially defeated in California over the course of a decade following extensive pushback from parents, including lawsuits, voter initiatives, and public comments.
November 4, 2025 at 11:13 PM
I don't think you've accurately described this controversy. Detracking was a widespread trend supported by prominent Democrats. It was partially defeated in California over the course of a decade following extensive pushback from parents, including lawsuits, voter initiatives, and public comments.
I’m not an expert, but this article seems fairly reasonable.
Revisiting the Legacy of San Francisco’s Detracking Experiment - EdSurge News
San Francisco’s failed experiment to eliminate tracking of math students casts a long shadow over efforts for equity in math teaching. What does it ...
www.edsurge.com
March 24, 2026 at 9:25 PM
I’m not an expert, but this article seems fairly reasonable.
Nettes Detracking Tool für Chrome. http://is.gd/iHxHM
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Make the web faster, more private, and more secure.
is.gd
December 3, 2024 at 10:09 AM
Nettes Detracking Tool für Chrome. http://is.gd/iHxHM
Next up, @cassidycody et al., “Vocational Vestiges: Detracking, Choice, and STEM Education in the New Comprehensive High school” #sea17
November 27, 2024 at 11:34 AM
Next up, @cassidycody et al., “Vocational Vestiges: Detracking, Choice, and STEM Education in the New Comprehensive High school” #sea17
“The assistant superintendent position will be an important hire for OPRF. The school is completing the third year of detracking much of the freshman curriculum...” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/06/o...
Oak Park and River Forest High School assistant superintendent Laurie Fiorenza to resign
The administrator who oversees all things academic at Oak Park and River Forest High School is leaving the school at the end of this school year. Laurie Fiorenza, assistant superintendent for stude…
www.chicagotribune.com
May 7, 2025 at 11:05 AM
“The assistant superintendent position will be an important hire for OPRF. The school is completing the third year of detracking much of the freshman curriculum...” www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/06/o...
Really hope org starts listening to people on ground. They pushed
disaterous SF experiment for decade. Still refuse to admit were wrong and platform misinformation of those who pretend had any redeeming value. @rastokke.bsky.social @tomloveless99.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-...
disaterous SF experiment for decade. Still refuse to admit were wrong and platform misinformation of those who pretend had any redeeming value. @rastokke.bsky.social @tomloveless99.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-...
February 15, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Really hope org starts listening to people on ground. They pushed
disaterous SF experiment for decade. Still refuse to admit were wrong and platform misinformation of those who pretend had any redeeming value. @rastokke.bsky.social @tomloveless99.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-...
disaterous SF experiment for decade. Still refuse to admit were wrong and platform misinformation of those who pretend had any redeeming value. @rastokke.bsky.social @tomloveless99.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-...
NCTM is extremely problematic. It behaves like a cult. For years in SF they enabled a lie. Published questionable data. Had webinars promoting SF math debacle. And when it all fell apart refused to take responsibility for their part. hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-...
OPINION: Detracking math did not work as advertised
SFUSD became the poster district for detracking math, with many districts across the country trying to follow its example.
hechingerreport.org
February 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
NCTM is extremely problematic. It behaves like a cult. For years in SF they enabled a lie. Published questionable data. Had webinars promoting SF math debacle. And when it all fell apart refused to take responsibility for their part. hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-...
#FlashbackFriday
🎥 Sharing my “Urgency of Equity” IGNITE (NCTM 2022) to support the ongoing work that we need to do for our math students.
#themarathoncontinues
#matheducation #mathlearning #equity #detracking #studentvoice #keepourheadsup #solutionspaces
youtube.com/watch?v=gcNw...
🎥 Sharing my “Urgency of Equity” IGNITE (NCTM 2022) to support the ongoing work that we need to do for our math students.
#themarathoncontinues
#matheducation #mathlearning #equity #detracking #studentvoice #keepourheadsup #solutionspaces
youtube.com/watch?v=gcNw...
youtube.com
February 21, 2025 at 9:31 PM
#FlashbackFriday
🎥 Sharing my “Urgency of Equity” IGNITE (NCTM 2022) to support the ongoing work that we need to do for our math students.
#themarathoncontinues
#matheducation #mathlearning #equity #detracking #studentvoice #keepourheadsup #solutionspaces
youtube.com/watch?v=gcNw...
🎥 Sharing my “Urgency of Equity” IGNITE (NCTM 2022) to support the ongoing work that we need to do for our math students.
#themarathoncontinues
#matheducation #mathlearning #equity #detracking #studentvoice #keepourheadsup #solutionspaces
youtube.com/watch?v=gcNw...
I don't go into it extensively but I'm pretty sure there is. Certainly in the detracking, the demand for fair equality of outcome for all students, and in support for dis crit and other progressive models that move beyond behaviorism. My hope is folks will pick this up and run with it lots of places
January 4, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I don't go into it extensively but I'm pretty sure there is. Certainly in the detracking, the demand for fair equality of outcome for all students, and in support for dis crit and other progressive models that move beyond behaviorism. My hope is folks will pick this up and run with it lots of places
But the caveat is this: the teachers who chose to teach the untracked classes got extra training, and they used inquiry-based methods. That's also the problem with the Railside study. When a study mixes detracking with inquiry learning and better teacher training, can you conclude detracking works?
November 6, 2024 at 2:23 AM
But the caveat is this: the teachers who chose to teach the untracked classes got extra training, and they used inquiry-based methods. That's also the problem with the Railside study. When a study mixes detracking with inquiry learning and better teacher training, can you conclude detracking works?
Would love to find out what you discover. I was looking for studies that showed detracking is academically beneficial for all students, and I could only find Boaler's Railside study, and the Rockville Center study. Studies about social and emotional benefits of detracking were easier to find.
Does Gifted Education Work? For Which Students?
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
October 26, 2024 at 9:21 PM
Would love to find out what you discover. I was looking for studies that showed detracking is academically beneficial for all students, and I could only find Boaler's Railside study, and the Rockville Center study. Studies about social and emotional benefits of detracking were easier to find.
Work from Wake County, NC by
@ericalitke @JoshGoodman_BU @DrDarrylVHill
L. Page & I could add a little more nuance - even in the presence of tracks, removing subjective criteria for access could help
Racial gaps in math have grown. Could detracking help?
hechingerreport.org/racial-gaps-...
@ericalitke @JoshGoodman_BU @DrDarrylVHill
L. Page & I could add a little more nuance - even in the presence of tracks, removing subjective criteria for access could help
Racial gaps in math have grown. Could detracking help?
hechingerreport.org/racial-gaps-...
October 19, 2023 at 11:09 PM
Work from Wake County, NC by
@ericalitke @JoshGoodman_BU @DrDarrylVHill
L. Page & I could add a little more nuance - even in the presence of tracks, removing subjective criteria for access could help
Racial gaps in math have grown. Could detracking help?
hechingerreport.org/racial-gaps-...
@ericalitke @JoshGoodman_BU @DrDarrylVHill
L. Page & I could add a little more nuance - even in the presence of tracks, removing subjective criteria for access could help
Racial gaps in math have grown. Could detracking help?
hechingerreport.org/racial-gaps-...
Proud to join @scholars.org as a member of our Philadelphia/NJ chapter!
scholars.org/scholar/marg...
scholars.org/scholar/marg...
Margaret Thornton | Scholars Strategy Network
Thornton's research interests include equity-focused school leadership development, school leadership for detracking, and critical race theory. After serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA, she began her care...
scholars.org
May 22, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Proud to join @scholars.org as a member of our Philadelphia/NJ chapter!
scholars.org/scholar/marg...
scholars.org/scholar/marg...