An historical analysis of the role of magnet schools in the desegregation of Riverview School District

This historical study provides a concise history of desegregation in public schools in the United States and the subsequent establishment of magnet schools. An historical timeline from the establishment of the first magnet schools to current magnet schools models of excellence was presented. Equity theory framed this study as educational practitioners continue to strive for equal access to educational programs for all students. This study examined historical, racial, and socio-economic data from a school district in central Illinois that established magnet programs in 1979 to stop White flight. The results of the study included information regarding the historical and political events that led to the establishment of magnet programs. Additional data examined if the magnet programs led to improved integration in the school district and if there were differences between students enrolled in both the magnet classes and the non-magnet classes in terms of race and socio-economic status. The study found that there were many factors which led to the establishment of the magnet programs in Riverview. Additionally, the study found that the magnet programs did not accomplish their initial task, and that there are some significant racial and socio-economic differences between students enrolled in magnet and non-magnet classes. Recommendations for further study were provided.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Ed Organization and Leadership

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Peters-Lambert, Betty Ann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alexander, Kern
• Shields, Carolyn M.
• Parsons, Marilyn A.
• Sloat, Linda

• magnet schools
• desegregation
• White flight
• equity

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Betty A. Peters-Lambert

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/78378

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/78378