Have Magnet Schools Outlived Their Usefulness?

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In the 1970's, California courts ordered forced busing to achieve racial integration in LA's public schools. Thousands of white parents then moved away or sent their kids to private schools. So the Los Angeles Unified School District developed the Magnet Schools, with programs of such high academic standing that all parents would voluntarily send their kids across town. Now, forced busing is a thing of the past, but magnet schools have become the most popular in the district. Parents have until Friday to turn in their applications for next year, and one of the criteria for acceptance will still be race.  We get an assessment from parents, educators and administrators.


Paul McCudden - parent and professor, Ryane Straus - assistant professor of political science , Sharon Curry - assistant superintendent of student integration services

Warren Olney

Dan Konecky, Christian Bordal