Equity and Achievement at a Computer Science–Themed Interdistrict Magnet School: An Evaluation Case Study

• In Event: Topics in Contemporary Program Implementation, Evaluation, and Measurement

Abstract

CodeRVA Regional High School seeks to provide equitable access to a state-of-the-art education to a diverse group of students interested in computer science. As an interdistrict magnet school, CodeRVA serves students from fourteen urban and suburban school divisions in central Virginia. We use a quasi-experimental design to compare standardized achievement test outcomes for CodeRVA students to outcomes for a matched group of students who attended traditional schools in their home school divisions. Results point to successful creation of a racially diverse student body via a random lottery admissions system using weights for socioeconomic status. Initial results on treatment effects for admission and enrollment at the school are not significant, but point to the importance of careful analytic approaches to evaluation.

Authors

• Michael Broda, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Amy Corning, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Brandon-Lee Lucas, Virginia Commonwealth University