Create and foster diverse, effective magnet schools through coordinated federal, state, district, and school policies¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The report recommends a multilevel policy approach so that diverse magnet schools incorporating evidence-based components can be created and sustained. Federal recommendations include reinstating and updating federal guidance on evidence-based school diversity strategies and expanding investment in the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, which it notes was "funded at just $107 million in 2020, compared to $440 million provided to charter schools." State recommendations include targeted grant funding and permitting interdistrict transfers, as Connecticut has done. District recommendations support first door practices such as outreach to diverse families, inclusive enrollment, and strategic school siting; school-level recommendations support second door efforts including whole school programs, culturally responsive curriculum, and restorative discipline.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Districts must support ongoing outreach to diverse families through multiple platforms and open, inclusive enrollment practices such as lotteries, interviews, and essays.

Constraints¶

• The report notes congressional prohibitions on federal funds for transportation slowed desegregation, and that MSAP funding has declined in real dollar terms and has not kept pace with demand.

Target Learners¶

• students in urban and regional magnet schools
• students of color
• English learners
• students from low-income families

Target Learning Goals¶

• voluntary desegregation and integrated learning environments
• positive academic and social outcomes in diverse schools

Claims¶

• Black students in Houston charter and magnet schools outperformed Black students in Houston district schools in reading and math [+W]
• Houston magnet schools outperformed district schools in reading but not in math in 2018-19 [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Use job center and commuter shed analysis to site and design magnet schools

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• George, J., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2021). Advancing integration and equity through magnet schools. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/magnet-schools