This paper discusses magnet schools generally and evaluates the other papers included with it in a single volume. Magnet schools have been fairly successful in meeting their stated goals, and in some cities, such as New York, they are so popular that parents must compete to gain their children's entrance. Still, magnets have tended to rely more on…

Reviewing research on alternative schools, the author notes that the schools show improved student attendance, attitude, and involvement, as well as higher educational quality and academic achievement. (MD)

Describes the origins of alternative schools within U. S. public school systems and the reasons for their rapid proliferation. (Author/WD)

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…

School choice means instant empowerment for those who receive it, and it significantly alters the relation of chooser and chosen. Six distinguishable sets of positive and negative dynamics that the provision of choice in schools seems to set in motion are discussed. (BJV)

This paper reviews the history of family choice opportunities in public schools. It offers detailed examinations of the several choice models that have proved widespread: (1) open enrollment plans; (2) magnet schools; (3) schools within schools; (4) satellites and separate alternatives; and (5) interdistrict choice plans. (Author/LMO)

Starting with the contention that we need to restore a wider range of choice to parents in their children's education, this paper lists and reviews the varieties of public education currently available throughout the country, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. These varieties include magnet schools, alternative schools, independent…

Explores issues faced by designers of school choice systems as numbers and types of choice arrangements proliferate and become more complex. Defines elements of a successful system of choice. The system developed will depend on the intentions, assumptions, and commitments present in the initial design. (SLD)

The history of the school choice idea is briefly traced, and then some contemporary family choice models are examined in detail. "Tracking" was the major choice mechanism in public schools prior to recent efforts to expand the options. The alternative movement within individual schools began in the late 1960's, with many forms…