1. MAGNET SCHOOLS By Kyle O’Connor

2. WHAT ARE MAGNET SCHOOLS?  A public school that offers special instruction and programs not available anywhere else  “Magnet” – Drawing students out of original districts  New Haven Magnet Schools Commercial (2013) New Haven Magnet Schools Commercial (2013)

3. HISTORY  Desegregation  Originally not intended to be innovative, rather designed to be attractive

4. TYPES  Magnet Schools  Academic  Technical/Vocational  Selective Magnet Schools  International Baccalaureate (IB)

5. ADMISSIONS PROCESS  Lottery  First Come, First Serve  Audition  Portfolio Review  Entrance Exam

10. PROS  Successfully contributes to desegregating public schools  Cultural diversity  Innovative instruction  Improved academic achievement

11. CONS  Sparks a new type of segregation  Intellectual  Underrepresented demographics  Selective magnet schools  Incompatible with family goals or values  Distance from home

12. STATISTICS  In 2002, more than 3,100 magnet schools operated in America  Magnet schools are an urban phenomenon  >50% of large urban school districts  10% of suburban districts  Magnet schools spend an average of $200 more per student than non-magnet schools

13. YOUR OPINION?  If the given the choice between a traditional public school and a magnet school, which would you choose for your child? Why?

14. “What is a Magnet School?”“What is a Magnet School?” by Grace Chen This article offers a wide variety of information on magnet schools, including history, current status, and trends. It discusses the pros and cons of magnet schools from an overall societal perspective, as well as from the perspective of the student and family. Furthermore, it lays out some guiding questions to consider in determining whether magnet school education is right for your child and your family.

15. “Magnet Schools, Innate Talent and Social Justice” by Mark Vopat This article offers a well developed background on magnet schools, including some history and the different types. It then takes a deeper look at the inequality that selective magnet schools may be creating. Vopat argues that these “gifted” children are products of opportunity and training rather than being born with an natural gift or ability.

16. REFERENCES  Chen, G. (2007). What is a magnet school?. Retrieved from http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/2.  Magnet Schools of America. (2013). What are magnet schools?. Retrieved from http://www.magnet.edu/about/what-are- magnet-schools.  Melago, C. (2012). Test-prep city: Are you smart enough for gifted kindergarten?. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/10/19/new-york-city-gifted- and-talented-exam-sample-questions/.  Vopat, M. (2011). Magnet schools, innate talent and social justice. Theory and Research in Education, 9(1).