Detracking In Context Beth Rubin Summary

In Beth Rubin’s article, “Detracking in Context: How Local Constructions of Ability Complicate Equity-Geared Reform”, it shows that teacher teach depending on how they see their students. It can have both positive and negative repercussions on students. If the students are viewed in a negative light, teachers generally have a lower standard of what students are capable of. It also usually shows up in the classroom. Teachers with those lower standards don’t feels as though students are able to handle rigorous curriculum. In this article it shows a wide spectrum of teachers. On one hand you have Mr. Bartlett, a very capable teacher but he teachers in a bad neighborhood. Mostly all of his students have been approached at one point by gang members.(pg.
It shows how the teachers interact with students, and how students react with the teachers. In that meager setting at Oakcity High School with Mr. Bartlett, he doesn’t cater to students needs. He does things in a strict basic formatted setting because “...on any job they get outside of school, there’s going to be a certain formats they must follow to be successful on the job. McDonald’s, there’s a certain way of frying French fries. There’s a certain was of customer service. They have to learn that format”.(pg. 661) He feels as though his students are unable to comprehend those in depth discussions. He teaches basic ideals and principals, then tests students on them. He also feels that all of his students are “somewhat on the same level”(pg. 661). His basic teaching format of “read a section, complete the section handout, take section quiz, repeat daily for five days, take chapter test Friday”(pg. 662) is completely unacceptable and demoralizes students. One student, Monique says “I want to go to college, but... if this is boring here I’m going to be bored in college”. This apathy towards students highly affects them