Why Cambridge Rindge And Latin School Has Phased Out Some Leveled Classes

As Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students prepare to start the school year, all ninth and tenth graders can expect to take the same English and history classes, regardless of their prior academic performance. Some CRLS teachers and administrators say the previous system, which used leveled classes (including "honors" and "college prep"), was accentuating the achievement gap rather than addressing it. We talk with the principal of CRLS and a teacher who has taught under the new system about the pros and cons of getting rid of leveled classes.

Damon Smith, principal at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

Jennifer Hogue, English teacher at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.