An Examination of the Effectiveness of Modern-Day Magnet Schools

• In Event: 16.060 - Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: 16.060-8 - The Politics of School Choice and Educational Opportunity

Abstract

Magnet schools have long been used to improve schools with large proportions of traditionally underserved students. Though magnet schools are well established and widely used, their demographic, legal, and policy contexts have changed dramatically since their first use. Within these new contexts, magnet schools may no longer be effectively benefitting the traditionally underserved students they were designed for. This project examined the impact of magnet schools on student achievement and integration in a modern context, using student-level data from Houston Independent School District. I found, on average, magnet schools have a null effect on student achievement. Additionally, magnet schools became more integrated, but this was at the expense of segregating traditional public schools in the district.

Author

• Julie Christine Harris, CNA Corporation