1. Magnet Review Update January/February 2011

2. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 Objectives Provide background information about Magnets Review current state of HISD Magnet programs Outline purpose, findings, and recommendations of Magnet Schools of America (MSA) report Provide opportunity for questions and feedback on MSA report

3. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 Before We Begin… HISD is committed to choice, Magnet programs, and Vanguard programs. Transportation for 2011–2012 Magnet and Vanguard programs will continue next year. Students in a Magnet program this year can remain in their school even if it is re-designated as a neighborhood school. Schools may continue to have a theme or focus even if re-designated as a neighborhood school.

4. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 4 Before We Begin… Students can continue to transfer to all schools, including Magnets, in HISD’s system of choice –40 ways a student may transfer from one school to another –64,000 Total Student Transfers –22,500 Total Magnet Transfers

5. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 5 Magnet Programs in the U.S. Background 1970’s – Reduce racial isolation voluntarily Today – Contribute to racial/ethnic/socioeconomic diversity – Increase student achievement – Give parents more choice – Provide unique course of study

6. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 Definition of Magnet U.S. Dept. of Education School that offers a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students of different racial backgrounds.

7. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 7 HISD Magnets 113 Magnet programs – 55 elementary – 31 middle – 27 high school (All but one high school are Magnets) 42,469 students—21% of overall population 13,690 Magnet school bus riders

8. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 8 HISD Magnets

9. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 9 Why a Magnet Review 2006 study by HISD Magnet Peer Review Committee “Some programs are funded at or near their original funding level, without regard of whether they are successful…” “Some…are funded at high levels but serve few students; some are funded at low levels but serve a large number of students.” NO ACTION TAKEN

10. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 10 Why a Magnet Review Board of Education requested external review in 2009 Magnet Schools of America (MSA) began study in 2010 Review of governance, procedures, funding, admissions, quality, and capacity

11. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 11 Findings by MSA Inconsistent decision-making regarding funding and themes Inefficient use of funds and disparities in funding Lack of transparency of access Lack of monitoring and oversight Lack of program implementation No standards for enrollment

12. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12 HISD Magnet Admissions Practices 39 use a lottery (5 are done centrally) 34 use a checklist or matrix of specific requirements 29 use a test and/or audition 13 use other forms including conduct, grades, and/or no screening at all

13. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 13 Math/Science/Technology Magnets Elementary Schools A Sample

14. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 14 Fine Arts Magnets Middle Schools A Sample

15. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 15 Technology Magnets High Schools A Sample

16. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 16 Basis for MSA Recommendations Five tenets of successful Magnet schools – Diversity of student population – Unique and innovative curriculum – Improved student achievement – Professional development/specialized teaching staff (supporting the magnet theme) – Dynamic partnerships Review of data, on-site review, surveys, forums Building capacity

17. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 17 The Process Phase I—Review by Magnet Schools of America (Oct–Dec) Phase II—Present MSA report to Board, community, and schools for feedback (Jan) Phase III—Synthesize feedback and formulate recommendations (Jan–Feb) Phase IV—Present recommendations to the Board (Feb–April) Phase V—Develop implementation plan based on Board-approved recommendations (April–May)

18. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 18 Feedback on MSA Recommendations What should HISD standards be for: – Designating a school as a Magnet – Evaluating Magnet programs – Maintaining Magnet status – Allocating funds – Admitting students – Establishing enrollment goals

19. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 19 General Feedback Provide feedback to principals and central administrative staff Communicate with your Trustee Postage paid feedback cards Post comments on the HISD website www.houstonisd.org Submit questions or comments to magnet@houstonisd.org