Program Summary
Purpose
The primary purpose of magnet programs and schools is to provide students, who have a choice of school or program within a school, the opportunity to select an option that is attractive (magnetic) to them. Such magnets are established by district Governing Boards to achieve certain objectives, such as creating a better balance in school population across a district. Balance may address schools with overcrowded conditions when other schools have ample space for more students. Another possible purpose is to provide instruction in particular curricular areas at one or a few schools that cannot be provided at every school. When one or more magnets are established at a particular school, students from across the district may select the magnet subject to available space. A Governing Board can make a wide range of choices depending upon the needs, demands, board purposes, and available funding.
Program/Services
Magnet programs may take any form that is deemed attractive to the students who will be able to choose them. When an entire school has been made a magnet, the school will offer all instructional and support services to which students are entitled and that are necessary to achieve the declared purposes of the magnet school.
Outcomes
- Increases student achievement in the area or areas selected for the magnet programs and school, as may be the case in a particular district.
- Depending upon the purpose of the magnet program or school, the stated purposes will be achieved.
Funding
There is no state financial support for magnets as such. Magnet schools and schools with magnet programs receive the regular funding for instruction. The federal government provides limited support in the form of grants to school districts that apply for a portion of the available national funding directly from the United States Department of Education (Outside Source).
Students Served
In the latest 2006-07 school year, 127,111 students were served in magnet programs and schools–83,252 at the K-8 level and 43,859 at the 9-12 level. Data are available by school, district, and county, as well as statewide. Very limited data are available by program type.
Results
For each school year, magnet school results may be measured and reported in the same manner as for other schools. Disaggregated results by program are not available unless provided by the local school district.
Contact Information
The Magnets Program is administered by:
California Department of Education
Secondary, Postsecondary, and Adult Leadership Division
Educational Options Office
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dr. Lynn Hartzler
Education Programs Consultant
916-322-1849
lhartzle@cde.ca.gov
