This study examines the way the nation's educational system distributes opportunities to learn mathematics and science among various groups of students. Participation and achievement in mathematics and science by women, minorities, and the poor is disproportionately low. Minorities and the poor, especially in inner cities, have considerably fewer…

Examines the historical, political, and economic context of differentiated schooling. Argues that tracking perpetuates inequality. Evaluates the influence on education of the politics of economic scarcity, social conservatism, and assumptions about abilities and the role of schools in providing equal opportunity. (KH)

Results of the "A Study of Schooling" survey indicate that the practice of tracking in secondary schools makes it difficult for schools to achieve either academic excellence or equality of educational opportunities. Tracking, furthermore, forces schools to perpetuate social and economic inequalities. Eight footnotes are appended. (IW)