Conducted for Arnold Ventures by Abt Associates, the "New Mexico Charter School Study: Findings Report" collates the results of Abt's evaluation of numerous charter schools in the state, several of which employ a whole-school dual language model. The study also created multiple logic models for use by practitioners, policymakers, and…

The Walt Disney Magnet School Tot Lot, part of the school and park complex in Chicago, is designed for younger children. (Author/MLF)

Explaining that interest in law magnet programs has grown substantially in the 1990s, this bulletin analyzes these programs on the basis of information provided by 24 mostly urban magnet schools. The schools in the sample represent the spectrum of law magnet program sizes, organizational structures, and settings. The report defines a law magnet…

Describes a range of vocational education programs varying in scope, teaching methods, and educational philosophy that are developing throughout the country as a result of community and industry needs. (MD)

Explaining that interest in law magnet programs has grown substantially in the 1990s, this ERIC digest analyzes these programs on the basis of information provided by 24 mostly urban magnet schools. The digest places law magnet programs within the broader context of law-related education (LRE). The primary purpose of law magnet programs is to…

While adhering to state standards for the core curriculum required for graduation, magnet schools offer innovative, specialized instructional approaches to attract students of all socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. While the magnet programs vary in design, scope, and outcome, they share important objectives: (1) to promote educational…

Excellence in education might best be achieved if a wide variety of educational options were made available to satisfy the broad diversity of student needs, if parents were allowed free choice among schools, and if parents, teachers, and principals worked together to make each school responsive to its unique constituency. (PGD)

Ordered to desegregate, the Lowell (Massachusetts) Public Schools followed parent wishes and successfully provided a variety of magnet schools to encourage voluntary desegregation. Creation of these schools provided an opportunity for reviewing and improving the educational system as a whole. (PGD)

A classical Greek elementary magnet school in a large urban school district has identified the need for a multicultural fine arts program reflecting the contributions of ancient cultures to modern man. The author and teachers (K-5) of this school developed a multicultural program using classical literature, visual and performing arts, history, and…

The purpose of this research was to examine policies and curriculum practices in performing arts secondary schools in the United States. Data were obtained from a survey (including questionnaires, opinionnaires, interviews, and observations) conducted among 55 schools (total number existent in 1980) and visits to 11 selected institutions in the…

Discusses performing arts high schools that train students in general education and music, visual arts, theater, and dance. Enumerates purposes, advantages (mainly, a challenging and motivating atmosphere with opportunities to concentrate in one area), and problems (funding, understaffing, academic standards, and admission criteria). Advises…

A Florida county, under a federal court order to desegregate its schools, adopted a plan of controlled school choice approved by the federal court. The county was divided into three zones that roughly reflected the school system's racial composition. A computerized lottery, with provisions for keeping siblings together and attractive programs for…

Science Academy students and faculty from the Austin (Texas) Independent School District were surveyed about their opinions and attitudes toward the Science Academy. This report contains a summary of their responses. Percentages are given for each of the student survey questions. Comparisons are made of the student and teacher perceptions. Survey…

There is no one "best" educational system, purports the author. Magnet schools offer choice and a powerful tool for educational change. Research findings about magnet schools are presented. (MD)

In the early 1970s, pessimism about public education in the United States was on the rise. To counter this outlook, researchers held a conference to identify public schools that were humane, caring, and effective, and from this conference arose a heightened awareness of alternative schools and their place in education. Subsequent years of…