Public school magnet lotteries: Why do we have winners and losers?
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I don’t understand why school systems with popular oversubscribed magnet programs can’t simply expand them rather than have a “sorry your child can’t have this” policy that only embitters parents.
I have seen this most vividly in DeKalb, which has several desirable magnet programs. I am not sure why DeKalb, which is one of the state’s highest spending districts, doesn’t expand those programs in communities where the demand exists rather than have unhappy parents with their noses pressed against the glass watching other kids get advantages denied their children.
I can assure you that many DeKalb parents would be happy to have their kids in a portable if it meant their children could go to Kittredge Magnet School, which is open to “high achievers” and is among the highest performing academic programs in the state.
As the DeKalb policy on magnets states: Since the number of student placements is limited per program and grade level, all eligible students applying are not guaranteed enrollment. Students are selected to enroll in the programs using an automated random student selection process.
Why can’t every eligible child enroll? Why does a child’s education depend on luck? Why would districts perpetuate a system of winners and losers?
Historically, DeKalb saw the creation of magnets as a way to foster voluntary integration. Now, the high achiever magnets serve another purpose – offering families choice and an escape route out
