Despite the crucial importance of choice in a democracy, choice has not recently been an overriding concept in public education. If parents, especially poor parents, could choose among educational options for their children, schools would be more accountable and responsive to the public and more learning would take place. (GC)

Describes a policy adopted in 1981 in Cambridge public schools: No child is assigned to school on the basis of residence, and all parents and students are given the opportunity to gain admission to their preferred desegregated school within the city. Such systemwide, controlled open enrollment is working to prevent resegregation. (GC)

The Parent Information Center provides information on all 13 elementary schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Parents can then choose three schools (in order of preference) that they would like their children to attend. The system attempts to honor first choices so long as racial balance is maintained at each school. (GC)

It is necessary to guard against moving toward a system in which parents' choice for their children has the effect of making the parent-school relationship a private one. Needed are parents, supported by public policy, who are involved in the life of the school in an ongoing way. (Author/GC)

Reports on teacher, principal, parent, and student reactions to a desegregation plan implemented in Buffalo, New York, which permits teachers to choose the magnet schools in which they desire to teach and parents to select their children's schools. (GC)

Recruitment efforts to achieve desegregation are detailed, based on the successes of scores of Massachusetts public schools. Distinction is made between the steps which the school system should take and those which should be planned and initiated at the school level with system support. (RDN)

With Lowell Public Schools'"controlled choice" plan, attendance is based on parent choices, as long as they do not adversely affect desegregation. This interview with the Student Assignment Officer addresses such issues as informing limited English speaking or illiterate parents about school options and creating a community network…

A cluster elementary school was formed when six schools in Washington, D.C., were in danger of closing. Spearheaded by the PTA, teachers, and administrators, this reorganization increased enrollments, improved the quality and diversity of education, and offered more educational choices to parents. It increased the social integration of the school.…

Choice is the basis for Minnesota's school improvement plan. School districts decide whether they want to participate, but they may not be selective about who they admit. Districts must release students who want to attend school elsewhere. The plan is too new to evaluate, but public support for it is increasing. (VM)

Early desegregation efforts simply followed the authoritarian model predominant in American schools since the 1920s. As schools have become more democratic, however, so has the process of desegregating urban school systems. (GC)

Discusses the issue of choice in education in the context of San Francisco's 15 alternative public elementary schools. These schools draw more committed students, parents, and teachers, and they create a sense of community often lacking in the public schools, yet they are less socioeconomically integrated. Calls for more exploration of the…

Educational equity can only be achieved when poor parents are empowered to intervene effectively in the education of their children, exercising their ability to make choices and develop specific expectations that translate into day-to-day support for the learning process. (PS)

Discusses questions about Massachusetts magnet schools, including (1) reaching parents who do not choose magnets; (2) how the school affects different groups of children; (3) how equity is embodied in life at school; (4) how magnet schools achieve unity; (5) whether parent choice leads to parental empowerment; and (6) why the magnet schools have…

Describes the production of a survey investigating what kinds of magnet schools parents and teachers want. Discusses: (1) the information sought; (2) pre-survey information-gathering and public discussion; (3) the creation of a citywide parent planning council; (4) constructing, conducting, and distributing parent and teacher surveys; and (5)…

Disseminating information to families about educational options available and how to take advantage of them is key to the success of school choice plans. Information content, format, and distribution are discussed in a framework that both researchers and practitioners can use. Summarizes findings on current school choice information practices.…