In 1974, the federal court in Boston ordered busing and a massive effort to accelerate the pace of academic progress in the Boston schools. Included in the order was the creation of twenty-two magnet schools and an unprecedented level of parent participation with the vehicles to make it possible. (JOW)

Makes a case for magnet schools, especially as part of desegregation efforts. Briefly describes magnet schools around the country and some of their problems. (JM)

Reviews the research on magnet schools and their impact on reducing racial segregation. Presents findings from a 3-year study of magnet schools in two urban districts. Surveys of diverse parents and teachers indicated that both groups generally believed the goal of integration was worth the cost of busing. Discusses the issue of racial balance in…

Describes how a Parent Council and school system administrators collaborated to develop a citywide magnet school desegregation plan, which increased parents' choices and introduced competition among public schools for the patronage of parents and students and for achievement of academic excellence. (RDN)

Magnet schools strive to draw students voluntarily to racially mixed settings by offering diversified educational opportunities. The impact of magnet schools on the political and organizational processes of a school system are discussed. (DF)

Magnet schools may prematurely limit academic choices and neglect the needs of poor children. (JM)

This first report of the Desegregation Monitoring and Advisory Committee reviews school regulatory policies resulting from the implementation of court ordered desegregation in the St. Louis, Missouri public schools. These policies address these issues: (1) the safety and security of school children; (2) the transportation of children; (3) the…

A statewide study was conducted to identify and describe successful voluntary school desegregation programs funded under Chapter 636, a 1974 amendment to Massachussets' Racial Imbalance Law. Programs selected were of four types: (1) school-based (elementary, middle, and high); (2) school system- or district-wide; (3) part-time and full-time…

A case study of the magnet school program in an anonymous midwestern United States city provides insights on the types of organizational and political changes that result from this form of school desegregation. Organizationally, the normal life of school systems depends upon a delicate balance of two sets of contradictory elements: individual…

Describes the development of the desegregation plan of the Prince Georges County Public Schools (Maryland), the provisions of the court order used to implement that plan, and the roles of magnet and one-race schools in the program. Implies that suburban communities have greater control over successful school improvement. (FMW)

This is the 1980 desegregation plan of the Board of Education of the City of Saint Louis, Missouri. The document contains information on the following: (1) grade configurations, school clustering, and projected enrollments; (2) transportation; (3) magnet and alternative schools; (4) school specialty programs; (5) student transfer policy; (6) staff…

This report evaluates the success of the magnet school program in the Houston (Texas) Independent School District for the 1987-88 school year. The following sections are included: (1) "Overview of the District"; (2) "History of Desegregation in Houston"; (3) "Development of Houston's Magnet School Program"; (4)…

This report evaluates the success of the magnet school program in the Houston (Texas) Independent School District for the 1988-89 school year. The following sections are included: (1) "Overview of the District"; (2) "History of Desegregation in Houston"; (3) "Development of Houston's Magnet School Program"; (4)…

This handbook was prepared to provide guidance and suggestions primarily for school officials who are developing a plan for school desegregation or who are trying to revise an existing plan. Indications of what has and has not worked in other districts are based on experts' recommendations, on case studies from other communities, and on the…