Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Academic tracking refers to the practice of dividing students into different educational paths or programs based on their perceived abilities or achievement levels. This can include separating students into advanced, average, or remedial classes.
Stereotyping refers to making assumptions about individuals based on generalizations or preconceived notions. In academic tracking, it could involve unfairly labeling students as "smart" or "dumb" based solely on test scores.
Educational Equity: Educational equity is the concept of ensuring all students have access to equal resources and opportunities in education. It questions whether academic tracking perpetuates inequalities by limiting certain groups' access to advanced courses.
A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an expectation about someone's behavior influences them to act in ways that confirm that expectation. In academic tracking, if students are placed in lower tracks, they may receive less support and opportunities, which can hinder their overall performance and reinforce initial perceptions of ability.