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…

This paper describes magnet schools as thematic islands of choice within a traditional district-assignment plan. These "islands of choice" are currently the most popular destination with those who exercise some choice in where they send their children to school. During the 1991-92 school year, 3,200 magnet schools were in operation, hosting some…

The integration of academic and vocational education is an educational reform strategy conceptualized by vocational educators, supported by the business community, and articulated by policy makers. Integration may improve the educational and employment opportunities of youth. Integration may offer change in an educational system that is in need of…

The three principal choices in primary and secondary education include home schooling, attendance at private schools, and attendance at public schools nearest the home. However, parents feel that more options are necessary, due to the inadequacy of particular public schools or the need for educational programs not offered in public schools. Thus,…

In spite of a widespread commitment to the comprehensive high school, the nation has long had specialty or theme schools and schools that target particular children. Magnet schools, alternative schools, and Catholic schools illustrate that the idea of specialized schools is not new. Recently, the concept has received a boost from a study by the…

Following a brief discussion of the policies which have led to the focus on magnet schools as tools for both school improvement and desegregation, this paper brings together existing research in order to answer the following question: what is the best design for magnet schools to be the most effective for desegregation? Magnet schools have only a…

This document examines many of the issues surrounding school choice. It summarizes the prevalence of school choice and touches on elements of the debate, such as the dilemma in finding the right balance between individual/family freedom and the interests of the community. In looking at school-choice options, the paper divides them into…

This brief digest reviews research findings on achieving racial integration in desegregated magnet schools. Studies show that resegregation tends to occur in most schools after desegregation as a result of tracking and ability grouping; furthermore, as the numbers of blacks rise in a school, the resegregation in classrooms tends to rise. A number…

This paper summarizes the "Survey of Magnet Schools," a study of the effectiveness of such schools in a nationally representative sample of 15 urban school districts. Among the significant findings are the following: (1) between 1981 and 1983 magnet school enrollments ranged from 21 percent to 71 percent white, a slightly higher percentage of…

A brief overview is presented of some successful minority teacher education recruitment programs. The sample of programs includes the following: secondary education programs targeting junior and senior high school students; teaching profession magnet programs; articulation programs between four- and two-year colleges for community college…

In order to facilitate the transition to a multiracial community and to meet the prevailing desire for academic excellence, magnet schools have arisen in urban areas throughout the country. These schools meet racial quotas through voluntary enrollment and open access, promote integration through cooperative learning practices, emphasize personal…

This digest suggests ways that elementary and secondary magnet schools in urban settings are perceived to provide a superior education, offers an evaluation of their effectiveness, and looks at issues for policymakers that arise from the magnet's success. Magnet schools appeal to families and students for the following reasons: (1) program…

This Digest introduces dance as an art form characterized by use of the human body as a vehicle of expression. Organized into three sections, the first examines the rationale for dance programs in education, presenting opportunities for development of critical thinking and analytical skills; cooperation and teamwork; self-expression and…

Most large schools have many types of programs serving many types of students, but smaller schools, serving fewer students, may be able to have a more defined "personality," or focus. Focus schools are becoming more popular because their students tend to be high achievers and because many districts are allowing families to choose the schools they…

Most language and international studies high schools (LISHS) are established as public magnet schools and stress voluntary enrollment. Generally, the academic curriculum emphasizes foreign languages, social sciences, and communications for participation in an international environment. Students are expected to graduate with functional competence…