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Knox County Magnet Schools Evaluation
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Final Summative Evaluation Report
Findings and Conclusions
Findings and conclusions of the study are presented by research question:
Research Question 3. How have the magnet school concept and programs changed/evolved since the program’s inception?
Findings
Interview data and review of program-related documents indicate that the magnet programs have stayed true to their intent to maintain racial balance within them; i.e., they have adhered to the plan proposed to OCR in the early 1990s. However, educator interview data, teacher survey data, and parent focus group data all suggest that changes in implementation of the magnet concept have not been evolutionary. Rather, there appears to have been drift from what may have been the vision for those programs, a watering down of program content and standards, and there has been an effort in some schools to minimize distinctions between the magnet program and the neighborhood school. It also appears that there has been little effort to market/publicize the magnets to potential students and families around the county, or to provide incentives such as transportation for out-of-zone students. While the intended racial balance is carefully maintained, program numbers are small, even though there is room in the schools for additional students. There are probably several factors that have contributed to the current situation. These factors are identified in response to question four.
In regard to transportation for out-of-zone students to the magnet schools, it is widely acknowledged that adequate transportation was provided during the first few years of the magnet implementation. However, resources for transportation were a victim of necessary budget reductions. There exists now a perception among many that there is no transportation available to the magnet schools for out-of-zone students. The evaluation team was surprised to learn that there is a minimal system in place. Clearly, it has not been well publicized.
Conclusions
There is little evidence that the magnet programs have experienced positive change or expansion over time. While the efforts of many magnet teachers, program facilitators, program coordinators, and others have been heroic, the programs have been “limping along” with little system-wide support and vision. However, the undertaking of this study may be a positive step.
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