As part of a larger study on school choice, researchers at the National Center on School Choice examined variation in leadership practices across school types, relying on a convenience matched sample of schools that included charter, magnet, private, and traditional public schools. A total of 284 schools agreed to participate in the study--116…

The policies and practices that shape magnet schools are examined, and the meaning and importance of magnet schools are explored. The chapters are: (1) "School Choice in the Public Arena"; (2) "The Context of Magnet Schools: The Policies and Politics of Desegregation in Cincinnati and St. Louis"; (3) "Magnet Schools and the Social Context of…

Notes that magnet schools were established to promote racial diversity, improve scholastic standards, and provide a range of programs to satisfy individual talents and interests. Suggests the need for a better understanding of new policies on race and magnet schools; the social and political context of choice; and the consequences of reform…

Investigated relationships between urban parents' reasons for choosing magnet schools and their levels of satisfaction, involvement, and influence at school. Parents chose schools for many reasons and were highly satisfied with their choices. Parents reasons for choice are important predictors of their level of satisfaction, influence, and…

Investigated the effect of the magnet school context on disciplinary rates of African American and White students. Examination of data from matched magnet and nonmagnet elementary schools indicated that African American students were much more likely to be disciplined, despite school type. The gap in rate of disciplining African American versus…

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…

This paper explores issues related to magnet schools and racial diversity, reviewing research on magnet schools that underscores the importance of analyzing how effective magnets are in reducing racial isolation, how these data differ across districts, and what accounts for these differential effects. The paper also includes findings from a 3-year…