Desegregation and Magnet Schools: Urban School Districts Continue to Explore Possibilities, Programs, and Policies

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 62
  In Roundtable Session: Urban Educational Options and Opportunities

Abstract

Under the current Federal Department of Education, school choice is once again in the forefront of educational reform initiatives for public schools in the United States. School choice theoretically hinges on the belief that when parents have options—in this case, magnet schools—that serve as alternatives to the public schools that their children would normally attend, their children’s educational opportunities will be better. However, this multi-case study of long-standing school choice programs in Rochester, NY and Hartford, CT suggests that magnet schools do not offer the desegregation opportunities that are needed. Instead, there are a limited number of seats available to students within the urban district and the schools do not entice White families and their students.

Authors

• Tricia J. Stewart, Western Connecticut State University

• Jeremy D. Visone, Central Connecticut State University

• Samantha Tisi Gati, Western Connecticut State University