What You Need to Know About Academic Tracking in Middle School

“Tracking" is a process in middle school wherein students are set on trajectories based on their grades and perceived abilities. Traditionally, students are broken into two or three different tracks. The tracking system is meant to provide students with a curriculum that matches their needs as a student. 

However, it can also cause a student to be slowed down due to a misconception in middle school. For example, a student may perform poorly in a math examination because they're used to the slower pace of learning in elementary school, not because they fundamentally struggle or don't understand the material. Regardless, their poor grade may set them on a path that steers them away from the more challenging math courses simply because of an assumption made about that initial performance.

Since there are only so many assessments in a school year and a large number of kids, it's easy to understand how these assumptions can be made. However, tracking causes students with long-term goals, such as AP courses and standardized tests in mind to suffer. Parents and students alike must be proactive about placement and advocating for the curriculum your students need to succeed.

There are some things that you can do to help your middle schooler be placed on the right track. Middle schoolers should make school a priority at this point as the practices they establish here will affect what kind of student they become in high school and later in college. It is paramount that parents help students lay a strong foundation on which to build their academic careers.

 

What can you encourage in your child to make sure  they are placed on the right “track”? 

 

Regular Attendance

The first and most important way to be on top of grades in middle school is regular attendance. Missing classes will cause your student to fall behind on work, miss out on crucial concepts and discussions in class, and not be able to effectively engage with the academic material. Regular attendance, while causing them to stay in touch with the material and class, is also crucial in reminding your child the importance of education and how they need to make it their priority.

Additionally, attendance should not be perceived as merely being present in the class, but making active efforts to pay attention and participate in the classes. Too many students zone out in class, and spend unnecessary time learning the materials on their own to do homework or to study for exams. What can students do to pay attention in class?

• Sit in the front of the class (if this is an option). If class is taking place virtually, make sure that their camera remains on.
• Come to class prepared - do any pre-assigned reading.
• Take notes.
• Speak up and participate - for those that have difficulty with this, make it a goal to speak up at least once a class, and doing it early in the class before other answers/questions have been given is less stressful.

 

Building Rapport with Teachers

Cultivating a healthy relationship with their teachers is a great way for students to ensure that they are effectively engaging with their material, receive constructive feedback, and know where they stand academically. Additionally, this may help your school see your actual skills and potential, and that you may not have been put on the right “track,” to facilitate your move to one that is more challenging. How do you establish a good rapport with your teacher?

• Establish communication early - you do not want the first communication with your teacher to be about grades. Participate in class and show your interest in the subject.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you don’t know - If you don’t understand something, chances are, other students are in the same boat. 
• Take advantage of office hours - this is free tutoring.
• Address poor grades early on, do not wait until half of the semester is over - If you are doing poorly in assignments and tests, meet with the teacher to understand how you can do better next time. 

Read more about how to help students succeed academically in 6 Steps to Better Grades.

 

Tutoring

If you feel your child is finding it difficult to grapple with certain concepts but is keen on pushing themselves to get into a higher track, you can consider outside tutoring services to help them hone their academic skills. Learn more about tutoring options for your child at our Versed Guide to Tutoring Services. Also read Free and Inexpensive Tutoring to look at some great free and low-cost options that every student can take advantage of. Keep in mind that for some students, it may be worth it to retain a more expensive tutor with expertise in very high-level subject matters or with experience working with students with learning differences or test anxiety. 

 

Summer School & Other Options

If you feel that your child is not at the “right” level and want to have them skip ahead in a subject, for example moving from pre-algebra to algebra , students can also consider summer school. Some school districts and private schools give students the option to skip a grade ahead, especially in math, through summer school.  This gives students an opportunity to move up a level if you feel that your student is on the wrong track or get a head start on more advanced classes at an earlier age if you feel that your student is not adequately challenged. Get in touch with your child’s school and explore the possibility of their doing summer school. In case your child’s school does not offer this option of summer school, look at other ways that they might be able to skip ahead. Ask the school whether your child would be able to skip ahead by taking an exam. In this scenario, your child will have to prepare on their own outside of school. Get the syllabus for the subject ahead of time along with the appropriate textbooks and materials they will need in order to prepare for the class and study for the exam. You can enlist a tutor to help with their studies or even your student’s current teachers for help in any capacity!

If getting ahead during middle school is not an option, consider studying ahead outside of school, as there will certainly be opportunities to test into higher level courses in High School. This is often done in subjects such as foreign language, math, and science. 

 

Be sure to download The Versed Middle School Guide below for insights into how to help your child get the most out of middle school years.

 

As every child and every school is unique, if you would like to speak to one of our advisors about helping your child with academic and extracurricular planning, summer options, and high school choices, please schedule a free consultation with us.

 

For additional insights, check out our blog posts:

 

Guide to Gifted and Talented Programs and Are They Worth It?

7 Things Every Middle School Parents Should Know 

Parenting Advice: How to Help Guide Your Child to Find an Interest

 

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