Describes the use of sociograms and computer analysis of sociometric data in order to evaluate the progress of Springfield, Massachusetts, public schools toward racial integration. Also shows how these techniques can be used to encourage racial integration at the classroom level. (GC)

Race desegregation in Massachusetts is a major enterprise. Desegregation realigns school assignments to bring together students from residential areas that are racially different to establish a truly "common school." Programs in specific towns and cities are detailed. (BJV)

A sociometric instrument assessed the progress of a school system toward integration and provided feedback for teachers. A computer program generated information about classroom social structure, indicating progress in integration in the Springfield public schools. (LHW)

To date, Ohio has not developed a systematic program for ensuring equal educational opportunity. In this paper options available for state policy which would bring about such a program are considered. Information is presented about the legal premises behind desegregation. Legal alternatives to the courts, as well as legal decisions regarding…

Describes the involvement of Brockton Public Schools with the Massachusetts Racial Imbalance Law and its gradual development of equal educational opportunity. Emphasizes community involvement in planning educational policies that lead from desegregation to full integration of diverse populations. (SA)

Describes the curriculum reorganization and staff training involved in the desegregation of the Holyoke (Massachusetts) public schools. Suggests strategies for successful integration of a multicultural curriculum. (FMW)

Based on the issues related to the 1975 desegregation court order issued to the Boston (Massachusetts) Public Schools, the author discusses and describes the following three components of Boston's Unified Plan for occupational and vocational education: (1) the implementation of core programs in the eight community districts that together comprise…

This report presents the work of the parents, students, citizens, and educators who developed 22 practically, politically, and financially feasible recommendations whose implementation would have a broad and constructive impact on the availability, quality, and cost of educational service in Massachusetts. Recommendations deal with the…

Sixteen essays dealing with issues surrounding school desegregation and racial integration comprise this book: (1) "School Integration Today: The Case for New Definitions," by Murray Friedman; (2) "Defining Brown's Integration Remedy for Urban School Systems," by Derrick A. Bell, Jr.; (3) "School Desegregation Can Succeed:…

This study of Massachusetts focuses on policymaking for the elementary and secondary schools at the State level. A systems framework is used to illustrate the impact of the govermental structure on and the economic, social and political context of the policies, roles, and relationships within the political process known as Massachusetts…

Early one morning, September 8, 1965, Operation Exodus unfolded. Poor black parents, with much community support, initiated a school busing program whereby several hundred black children of all ages between five and 14 were to be bused from nearly all-black schools in the black community to predominantly or all-white schools in surrounding…

Given a successful instance of public school desegration, this study examines some of the factors that may have contributed to the integration effort. The initial section provides an examination of the historical and socio-political milieu building a context by which various change agents such as pupil mobility, prior experience in limited or…

Studies the relationship between academic achievement and inter-racial friendship development in Springfield (Massachusetts) elementary schools. Concludes that integration suffers because achievement plays an increasingly important role in friendship as a student moves through school. (FMW)

This study examined the influence of racial/ethnic dynamics on the process of social and academic integration. Students of diverse racial/ethnic and academic backgrounds were interviewed throughout their first-year and again at the beginning of their sophomore year about their pre-college and in-college experiences. Results yielded a qualitative…

The complex interactions which led to the implementation of the court-ordered desegregation plans for two cities in Massachusetts involve not only the courts but many levels of government. The school departments, the school committees, the mayors, the State Board of Education, the legislature, the governor, and the citizens of Massachusetts, all…