Organized for Prohibition: A New History of the Anti-Saloon League

When embarking on any study of ability grouping, its root causes and affects on student learning it is important to read this book as well as Oake's other research articles on the subject. As painful as some teachers find changing practices deeply rooted in their own educational experiences this is one that is long overdue and deeply necessary if we are ever going to give all students fair access to educational and socioeconomic opportunity. Additional authors who must also be read are Anne wheelock, Jo Boaler, and Dweck.

Oakes' findings are as relevant today as they were in 1985. The school system is using tracking to encourage social reproduction and keep the rich rich and the poor poor. As teachers, yes we are challenged by students of differing abilities in our classroom but a little inconvenience on our part is worth preventing the disastrous consequences of tracking. If you believe that all children should be given the chance to learn and succeed, then this book will be helpful to you.

Jeannie Oakes put forth the idea that tracking does not have a silver lining. When students are tracked, some are left behind. De-tracking may not be the answer but this topic (her work) is worth reading. I think that the previous review (the only other one as of 11/00) does not give Jeannie Oakes enough credit for her research on this topic. If you pick up the book and read it I'm sure you'll realize there is much inequality built into our educational system. For this alone...I'd read some of her work.