When I started the 9th grade many years ago, I was given a choice to follow the college preparatory track or the vocational track.  Of course, I chose the college prep track, but did I choose that track because I was placed on a certain track once I started school?  Today kids are tracked from the time they start school.  Usually those kids stay on the same track until they leave school and once they leave school their school tracking usually determines their role in society.  I always wondered if parents knew that their child is being tracked.  Because if I was a parent there is know way I would allow my child to be placed on a track that will have a negative effect on their self image.  I think parents need to know how their children are tracked and really need to get involved in their education or the system will do what they want to do with their children.   Tracking can label a child and prevent he or she from reaching their full potential.