Are Magnet Schools Expanding Educational Opportunities for English Language Learners?

• In Event: 26.046 - Magnets, Open Enrollment, and School Closures

Abstract

School choice continues to be a popular policy lever for addressing the needs of disadvantaged student groups, but its effectiveness remains unclear, especially when it comes to addressing the needs of English language learners (ELL). As the ELL student population continues to grow, understanding how school choice policy affects this group becomes increasingly important. This paper examines how magnet schools in Houston ISD influence the educational outcomes of ELLs. Specifically, we compare the rates at which ELLs and non-ELLs use magnet programs. We also employ propensity score matching techniques to assess whether or not ELL students who attend magnet schools outperform their matched peers who attend traditional public schools on reading, math and English proficiency measures.

Authors

• Julie Christine Harris, CNA Corporation

• Madeline Mavrogordato, Michigan State University