Detracked — And going strong

Abstract

In 2010, Evanston Township High School in suburban Chicago, Ill., dramatically changed its freshman year for incoming students. The school detracked freshman English, history, and biology courses for the vast majority of students, thus removing barriers for historically under-represented student groups and providing greater access and opportunity to all. Central to the school’s approach was increasing the critical mass of diverse students in AP and honors courses. Five years later, the results are in: On ACT and AP scores, as well as in AP attendance, the school is posting the highest numbers ever.