MAGNET SCHOOLS

By Kyle O’Connor

WHAT ARE MAGNET SCHOOLS?

A public school that offers special instruction and programs not available anywhere else

“Magnet” – Drawing students out of original districts

New Haven Magnet Schools Commercial (2013)

HISTORY

Desegregation

Originally not intended to be innovative, rather designed to be attractive

TYPES

Magnet Schools Academic Technical/Vocational

Selective Magnet Schools

International Baccalaureate (IB)

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Lottery

First Come, First Serve

Audition

Portfolio Review

Entrance Exam

PROS

Successfully contributes to desegregating public schools

Cultural diversity

Innovative instruction

Improved academic achievement

CONS

Sparks a new type of segregation Intellectual Underrepresented demographics Selective magnet schools

Incompatible with family goals or values

Distance from home

STATISTICS In 2002, more than 3,100 magnet schools

operated in America

Magnet schools are an urban phenomenon >50% of large urban school districts 10% of suburban districts

Magnet schools spend an average of $200 more per student than non-magnet schools

YOUR OPINION?

If the given the choice between a traditional public school and a magnet school, which would you choose for your child? Why?

“What is a Magnet School?” by Grace Chen

This article offers a wide variety of information on magnet schools, including history, current status, and trends. It discusses the pros and cons of magnet schools from an overall societal perspective, as well as from the perspective of the student and family. Furthermore, it lays out some guiding questions to consider in determining whether magnet school education is right for your child and your family.

“Magnet Schools, Innate Talent and Social Justice” by Mark Vopat

This article offers a well developed background on magnet schools, including some history and the different types. It then takes a deeper look at the inequality that selective magnet schools may be creating. Vopat argues that these “gifted” children are products of opportunity and training rather than being born with an natural gift or ability.

REFERENCES Chen, G. (2007). What is a magnet school?. Retrieved from

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/2. Magnet Schools of America. (2013). What are magnet

schools?. Retrieved from http://www.magnet.edu/about/what-are-magnet-schools.

Melago, C. (2012). Test-prep city: Are you smart enough for gifted kindergarten?. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/10/19/new-york-city-gifted-and-talented-exam-sample-questions/.

Vopat, M. (2011). Magnet schools, innate talent and social justice. Theory and Research in Education, 9(1).