In addition to curriculum, what practice can reproduce class inequality in schools?

• A. Universal school meals
• B. Tracking students into streams aligned with class background
• C. After-school programs for all
• D. Equal opportunities for all students

Answer: (B)

Tracking students into streams aligned with class backgrounds reproduces class inequality in schools. When pupils are sorted into different ability groups, those in higher tracks often get more challenging work, more experienced teachers, and higher expectations, which can boost achievement and aspiration. In lower tracks, students may face limited resources, less challenging curricula, and lowered expectations, which can reduce motivation and widen gaps. This creates a self-fulfilling cycle that reinforces inequality beyond what the curriculum alone does. The other options would generally reduce inequality—universal meals ease material barriers, after-school programs for all widen access, and the ideal of equal opportunities is about leveling the field—so they don’t explain how inequality is reproduced.