While adhering to state standards for the core curriculum required for graduation, magnet schools offer innovative, specialized instructional approaches to attract students of all socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. While the magnet programs vary in design, scope, and outcome, they share important objectives: (1) to promote educational…

This guide for parents and students provides descriptions of the 22 magnet schools and 4 magnet programs which make up the city-wide magnet district of the Boston public schools. The information provided was gathered through interviews with administrators, teachers, parents and students at each of the 26 sites. Principals and headmasters at each…

Magnet schools are popular and are spreading, but they are also resisted and resented. These schools challenge the idea that equal educational opportunity requires that the same education be offered to all students. Why magnet schools are under fire is discussed. (MT)

At Houston's Dodson Elementary School, a magnet school with a Montesorri program, students work independently with an assortment of manipulable materials which help them teach themselves. (SK)

The many uses and effects of a magnet school are discussed. (LH)

Overwhelming scientific and anecdotal evidence indicates that the elementary school experience significantly shapes children's lives. This report examines the history of elementary education, and describes alternatives such as nongraded schools. The first part of the report describes the roots of elementary education in the United States,…

The "attractor magnet" curricula in the Interdisciplinary Program at Suncoast Community High School (Florida) include drafting, technology, engineering technology, and communications technology. As an alternative to comprehensive high schools, it provides challenging college-prep programs to a diverse population. (JOW)

Describes the reasoning behind and services provided at the Thomas J. Pappas regional education center in Phoenix, Arizona, a magnet school for homeless students from all over the Phoenix area. Notes that the center provides some stability and extensive support to students. (SR)

The purpose of this research was to examine policies and curriculum practices in performing arts secondary schools in the United States. Data were obtained from a survey (including questionnaires, opinionnaires, interviews, and observations) conducted among 55 schools (total number existent in 1980) and visits to 11 selected institutions in the…

Discusses performing arts high schools that train students in general education and music, visual arts, theater, and dance. Enumerates purposes, advantages (mainly, a challenging and motivating atmosphere with opportunities to concentrate in one area), and problems (funding, understaffing, academic standards, and admission criteria). Advises…

Makes a case for magnet schools, especially as part of desegregation efforts. Briefly describes magnet schools around the country and some of their problems. (JM)

The operation of a "Walkabout" program at a large urban magnet school is reviewed. After frequent exposure to supervised community experiences in regular humanities courses students may undertake independent, semester-long Walkabout projects, usually career-oriented. (MJL)

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…

Describes the evolution of a microsociety school in Lowell, Massachusetts. Guided by teachers, students use money, markets, and property building blocks to create a microeconomy producing numerous organizations and jobs. Lacking a prescribed ideological path (or a prepackaged curriculum), the students fashion their own social system and guiding…

The author describes the application of the vocational method of instruction, a technique focusing on real-world laboratory settings and private sector involvement, to the programs of an academic high school, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, Virginia. (CH)