Informed Choice or Formed Choice? An Analysis of Media Coverage of High Schools in Chicago

• In Event: 35.081 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 35.081-21 - School Choice: Parental Information and Judgments

Abstract

This paper presents the results of content analysis of 184 print media articles, from August 2013 to June 2014, about public high schools in Chicago. Using a conceptual framework of frame analysis, it considers how these articles represent different types of schools to readers, and how these representations in turn help to shape perceptions of student and parent options under school choice policies. We found disparate characterizations of different kinds of high schools, with notable themes including school quality, geographic location, and desirability. We conclude with implications for media coverage of high schools on parent and student perception of schools as they navigate the school choice process.

Authors

• Briellen Elizabeth Griffin, Loyola University Chicago

• Kate L. Phillippo, Loyola University Chicago

• Zareen Kamal, Loyola University Chicago