Magnets and School Turnarounds: A Policy Lever for Promoting Equitable, Diverse Schools

• In Event: 66.039 - School Choice and Segregation: Evidence on Equity, Achievement, and Diversity

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand how schools that received funds from the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program successfully aligned their magnet and school turnaround plans. Through intensive case studies of four schools, this study explores the principles and strategies used to establish successful magnet schools and to achieve successful turnarounds. Findings identify common elements that contribute to success as well as shared challenges that schools can anticipate when implementing a magnet school turnaround. These four schools demonstrate that magnet schools are natural vehicles for facilitating a successful school turnaround and merit attention and resources in the policy realm.

Authors

• Jenn Ayscue, University of California - Los Angeles

• Gary A. Orfield, University of California - Los Angeles

• Genevieve Parker Siegel-Hawley, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Brian Woodward, University of California - Los Angeles