Since March 1989, Boston has attempted to implement three elements deemed successful for successful school choice programs: fair assignment procedures, an effective parent information system, and interventions to help certain schools become more competitive. The Boston experience shows the difficulties involved in reforming a monopoly governed by…

Studied the extent to which the character of four urban schools became more clearly defined in the interest of communicating with parents and of gaining their adherence to a shared vision of the school. Research efforts of the Center on Families, Communities, Schools, and Children's Learning are reported. (SLD)

Analyzes the history and outcomes of parent choice and magnet schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Finds that parent choice has resulted in greater interracial exposure than the prior mandatory reassignment plan, and that student achievement has increased. (FMW)