Who Gets In? A Geospatial Case Study of Rochester’s Interdistrict Choice Program

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Poster Session on the Social Context of Research on Schools and Communities

Abstract

Inter-district choice programs exist in geographic and social contexts that affect how families access these programs and by extension what families participate in these programs. This case study of Rochester’s inter-district choice program examines the geographic and social contexts of sending locales, to understand how opportunity structures in these locales affect application to and acceptance in this program. We draw on theories of critical geography, Marxism and the school choice literature to guide our investigation. Utilizing n=922 applicant files from academic year 2012-2013 and census tract information maps were created using ArcMap 10 to illustrate these phenomena. Our results indicate that accepted applicants are disproportionately spread across Rochester and are situated in higher socioeconomic status areas.

Authors

• Nadine D. Hylton, University of Rochester

• Kara S. Finnigan, University of Rochester