Tracking places students into separate groups according to what the teachers see as their intellectual ability. It is estimated that 60 - 80% of schools in the Unites States use this system in some manner. As it is stated in the book, I agree that tracking does have some benefits. Not having kids from the lower track feel left behind or the kids from the upper track feel as if they are being held back to satisfy the kids who may need a little more in- depth teaching. On the other hand, as it is stated in the book, tracking is a system that will keep kids from the lower tracks from living up to their potential. These kids are subjected to work that may not challenge or teach them anything, but it fills a certain curriculum, so it is accepted in the schools. By separating the kids, it will develop a class system at an early age that allows for the gifted kids to feel as if they are superior to the kids that are on a remedial learning level. Along with low teacher expectations, these other negatives can have a very profound effect on these kids from a very young age. Starting out with such a negative train of thought can only lead to many other negative feelings later on in life.