What is the practice of placing students in specific curriculum groups based on test scores?

The practice of placing students in specific curriculum groups based on test scores is known as tracking. This approach involves categorizing students into different classes or programs that align with their perceived academic abilities, which are often determined by standardized test scores or other assessments.

Tracking can lead to differentiated educational experiences, where students in higher tracks might receive more advanced instruction and resources while those in lower tracks might face a more basic curriculum. This method is utilized with the intention of tailoring education to meet the varying needs of students; however, it can also have significant implications for equity and access in education, sometimes perpetuating existing social stratifications.

While streaming, sorting, and grouping may sound similar and relate to the broader concept of organizing students, tracking specifically emphasizes the long-term placement of students in educational paths that may impact their future opportunities. Hence, tracking is the most accurate term for this practice.