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From: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: more on tracking
Date: Thu, Nov 18, 1999, 11:15 AM


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I enjoyed Fred Gross' comments on tracking vs. heterogeneous groups and
agree
that a whole host of problems can accompany tracking.
 Although I don't doubt that one can teach so that all students achieve in
hetereogeneous groups, I am most interested in how to address what I
consider
to be the most critical factor:  teacher prep time.  Fred talked about the
professional development needs and so forth which are necessary for
successful instruction in heterogeneous groups; but the culture of middle
schools is such that prep time is often taken up with meetings unrelated to
math instruction and children are often at one's door before and after
school
for help in math.

What suggestions do people have to give math teachers the time it takes to
prepare sufficiently for diverse needs in a classroom?

Sue