Magnet Applications

Erin Shachory, a parent from Riverside Drive Elementary School, writes:

Recently, we received our LAUSD “Choices” brochure, a catalog and application for magnet schools and other district schools (PWT, PSC) that offer “voluntary integration opportunities.”  The brochure states that all of these programs were established by court order to address the five harms of racial isolation, which are listed as: low academic achievement, low self-esteem, lack of access to postsecondary opportunities, interracial hostility and intolerance, and overcrowded conditions.

This idea is wonderful and no doubt came from a desire to offer the best education and opportunities for all students as well as to offer a bridge between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” both academically and socially.  But one concern I’ve always had about the magnet program is that it is basically a game -- and that the kids who stand to benefit the most (those from economically disadvantaged areas) must compete for an opening with children whose neighborhoods (and neighborhood schools) are better than most.

We’re lucky.  Our neighborhood elementary and middle schools are great and they’re within blocks of our house.  But when it comes to high school, my husband and I would like a different choice for our girls.  We thought it was okay, that we’d think about it when our oldest daughter is middle school.  What I found out when she entered kindergarten, though, was that we needed to begin accumulating magnet points so that she could possibly get into a local magnet school that runs from Grade 4 – 12.  “That way, you’re covered for high school,” my mentor moms told me.

And it makes sense, but I’m conflicted.  On one hand, if my kids got in, I could coast the next 12 years until all my kids are in college; on the other, we have excellent choices for them until 8th grade, so maybe another child deserves those spaces more than mine.  But I don't want my daughters to miss out on a good school for high school....

The “Choices” brochures sit on my desk, waiting for an answer.  I plan to tour a few schools in the coming weeks, but so far, my choice –- to magnet or not to magnet -– has not been made.

Comments

[Angel]

Hi Erin,

I know you've probably been to your share of Martinis and Magnet parties, but there are great choices in the Valley outside of SOCES. Don't get me wrong, there is an appeal for that 4-12, just like Valley Alternative gets people who apply for kindergarten and think they'll never look back.

But the school that's right for a 10 year old might not be the right school for the same kid at 14. Heck, my son didn't start playing high school sports until he was a junior. And without the opportunity, he wouldn't have ever known he wanted to play.

I'll be attending the SOCES tour this week with a friend (and will find out specifically when their openings are in case they open more than just the spots in 4th grade), but there are oodles of great high school magnets that won't require you to worry until much later.

And I won't lie, I'm accumulating points for my daughter, too. But as an option, not an end-all.

[Mr. Hunsberger]

You're right. It is a game. And you're right about the kids who really need to get in getting in. I'm a teacher at a local middle school who's trying to spread the word about magnets with our students and their families (who largely knows nothing about the process). We're trying to put together a grassroots website and gather some momentum to help kids who really could do well in magnets to have that very opportunity. Our website is at www.hopechangechoices.org