| ability grouping | The assignment of pupils to homogeneous groups according to intellectual ability or level for instructional purposes.
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| alternative families | Family units that differ from the traditional image; examples include foster care children, single parents, central role of grandparents, and gay couples.
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| detrack | The movement to eliminate school tracking practices, which often have racial, ethnic, and class implications.
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| heterogeneous grouping | A group or class consisting of students who show normal variation in ability or performance. It differs from homogeneous grouping, in which criteria, such as grades or scores on standardized tests, are used to group students similar in ability or achievement.
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| homogeneous grouping | The classification of pupils for the purpose of forming instructional groups having a relatively high degree of intellectual similarity.
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| latchkey (self-care) kids | A term used to describe children who go home after school to an empty house; their parents or guardians are usually working and not home.
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| sociogram | A diagram that is constructed to record social interactions, such as which children interact frequently and which are isolates.
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| tracking | The method of placing students according to their ability level in homogeneous classes or learning experiences. Once a student is placed, it may be very difficult to move up from one track to another. The placements may reflect racism, classism, or sexism.
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| unremarked revolution | The unheralded but persistent move of schools away from formal tracking programs.
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