Magnet schools are schools or educational centers that offer a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students from a variety of racial backgrounds. (Gamoran 1) Magnet schools were established to meet federal requirements for desegregating public schools. However, magnet schools have become excellent alternatives for students of poor schools today. (3)

For many years parents have wanted their children to have the best education available. During the 1950's and 60's, this was not possible for people of color. Without the financial means, many parents couldn't afford to send their kids to the best schools. These children had to attend the poor schools in their neighborhoods. If the district in which one resided were poor, their children's education would be, too. The textbooks and buildings for these students were of very poor quality. Consequently, a learners' self-esteem was diminished.

As a desegregation strategy, children and teachers were assigned to magnet schools. This helped to break up the segregation of schools because parents place their child in the school of their choice. Teachers of all races could teach at magnet schools. No race dominated the magnet schools employees.

Statistics show that the number of students enrolled in magnet programs has tripled in the past decade. (Goldhaber 18) Nine years ago, the federal Magnet School Assistance Program spent $739 million in school districts to promote magnet schools. (22) The U.S. Department of Education's Emergency School Aid Act provides funds for magnet schools. (ESAA). This began in 1972, and the expansion to the Act in 1976 allowed for the planning and implementation of magnet schools. Although the ESAA program was temporarily halted for four years, federal support was reinstated in 1985 through the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP).

In conclusion, the information that I researched for this paper turned out to be very informative. I had never really understood the purpose of magnet schools. Magnet schools have proven to be good additions. I wish that there were magnet schools in my county. Many of the children do not get the best education possible in regular schools. However, with magnet schools, they could reach their full potential. Having the choice to attend a magnet school would be very beneficial to counties across the nation. Drop

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Approximate Word count = 982
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)