Constrained Agency and the Architecture of Educational Choice: Evidence From New York City

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Racial Equity in School Choice Processes (Table 36)

Abstract

Studies of school choice and inequality are often framed in terms of information disparities and demographic differences in family preferences. New York City represents an interesting case, in that choice is mandatory, but it is constrained by an allocation process that relies heavily on residential location and other considerations beyond the control of most families. Using data on the choices of over 200,000 NYC families, we find that Black and Hispanic families are more likely than their white counterparts to choose schools outside their zone —in other words, these families exhibit considerable agency. However, the architecture of NYC’s choice system, combined with the city’s severe residential segregation, makes it less likely that their preferences will be honored.

Authors

• Rebecca Shmoys, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Sierra McCormick, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Douglas Ready, Teachers College, Columbia University