Use choice data as a referendum to identify and improve least-chosen schools rather than magnetizing only the best¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

Controlled Choice treats annual parental choices as "a referendum on the attractiveness of schools" and obligates authorities "to use their limited resources to upgrade and make more attractive least chosen schools." Instead of magnetizing the best schools, "limited community resources should be used to make bad schools good and better," pushing up the bottom so the whole system gains a broader range of acceptable schools.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Annual collection of ranked student choices; reserved seats for population groups so comparisons are fair

Constraints¶

• The authors note the public may perceive the focus on least-chosen schools as rewarding failure, requiring deliberate explanation

Target Learners¶

• students in districts with uneven school quality

Target Learning Objectives¶

• raising the quality of the weakest schools so all students have acceptable choices

Claims¶

• Boston Controlled Choice Most Students Get First Or Second Choice [+M]

Related Principles¶

• Design large, contiguous, heterogeneous attendance zones with equivalent programs and limited transport time

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Willie, Charles V.; Alves, Michael J. (1996). Controlled Choice: A New Approach to School Desegregated Education and School Improvement. Education Alliance Press. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED430265