Intentionally Diverse Charter Schools: Why and How?

• In Event: New Directions in Charter School Practice and Evaluation

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a yearlong exploratory mixed-methods research study that investigates a national sample of six (6) intentionally diverse charter organizations. Intentionally diverse charter schools work against national public schooling trends to deliberately promote socioeconomically and racially integrated schooling spaces. Data sources include 2069 survey responses from students, parents, teachers and administrators across twenty-one (21) schools; interviews with charter leaders; and document analyses. The authors, first, map the national policy landscape around the diverse charter model; second, they describe the various rationales that underwrite the diverse charter missions; third, they describe the strategies and practices schools employ to attract and retain a diverse student population; finally, survey analyses interpret stakeholder perceptions around the diversity in schools.

Authors

• Priscilla Wohlstetter, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Brandon Buck