Ep.88 - De-tracking our Schools w/ Dr. Eric Toshalis!

Is it time to de-track our schools? Featuring Dr. Eric Toshalis!! - AOTA Episode 88

Advanced. Honors. GATE. Remedial. Foundational. Students have been “tracked,” or sorted and grouped by perceived ability level, into categories such as these for years. While some argue that tracking helps schools and teachers design instruction to meet the needs of students of varying ability levels, the data suggests that tracking has long resulted in racial inequities and de facto segregation within our school system. Dr. Eric Toshalis of KnowledgeWorks (who also happens to have been the O.G. teacher-mentor for both Manuel and Jeff back during their student-teacher days!) joins us this week to share his expertise around the great tracking debate. But first, Jeff and Manuel take a look at recent headlines in education including the difficulty districts are having in spending American Rescue Plan funds before the deadline and a new report slamming the quality of education offered in Los Angeles’ juvenile detention facilities.

Episode 88 Headlines in Education

Jeff and Manuel examine recent headlines in education. School districts are having difficulty spending American Rescue Plan funds before the 2024 deadline, and a new report slams the quality of education offered in Los Angeles’ juvenile detention facilities.

Episode 88 Seminar - De-tracking Schools w/ Dr. Eric Toshalis

Dr. Eric Toshalis of KnowledgeWorks joins us this week to help us explore the history and ongoing impact of tracking in schools.