Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - D1120092
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED335780 AUTHOR: Dentler, Robert A.
TITLE: The National Evidence on Magnet Schools. Occasional
Paper Series.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1991
NOTE: 22 p.
ABSTRACT: A magnet school has four essential ingredients:
a distinctive curriculum; a unique district purpose for
voluntary desegregation; an opportunity for school choice;
and access to students beyond a district attendance zone.
Most magnet schools have one of five types of curricular
themes: the fine, applied, or performing arts; the
sciences; social studies occupations; general academics;
and traditional and fundamental schools. In a 1983 study of
45 magnet schools, 2 out of 3 had enrollments that were
racially and ethnically representative of their districts,
while the third provided a substantial mix of students by
minority subgroups. A 1990 study showed that only one-fifth
of magnets practiced selectivity in their admission of
students on criteria other than race or ethnicity. Reading
achievement data gathered on 32 of the magnets in the 1983
study showed that 26 magnets equaled or exceeded the mean
scores for their districts. Well-developed and locally
supported magnets can accomplish policy aims that include
contributing to a district's attainment of full racial and
ethnic equity. If practitioners seek to start up or improve
upon magnets in their districts, their considerations
should include whether or not district decision makers are
committed to quality desegregated education. Notes on
studies selected for use in this report are provided. (10
references) (EJS)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Academic-Achievement; Curriculum-;
Elementary-Secondary-Education; Selective-Admission;
Voluntary-Desegregation
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Magnet-Schools;
*Nontraditional-Education; *Outcomes-of-Education;
*School-Choice; *School Desegregation
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