Compares the effectiveness of magnet schools in increasing interracial contact in two contexts: (1) districts using magnet schools as the alternative to forced busing; and (2) districts using magnet schools as a component of a mandatory desegregation plan. (Author/BE)

Explores the most-effective type of desegregation plan for the reduction of segregation in public schools by using a choice-assignment continuum for 20 plans to account for variation in desegregation orders. Plans the rely on assignment reduce the level of desegregation more than do choice plans. (SLD)