School Choice and Stratification in a Regional Context: Examining the Role of Inter-District Choice

Inter-District School Choice: Transfer Policy and Practice in a Fragmented Metropolitan Region

“…Some studies also show that choice can further stratify districts by race and class as higher-income and White students tend to seek transfers more frequently than lower-income and minority students. Similarly, districts that gain students tend to serve more White and affluent students than the transfer students' home districts (Holme & Richards, 2009). Literature also suggests that government decision-making generally favors citizens with higher incomes and greater social status, which can greatly affect school choice policy and administration (Frankenberg, 2012, p. 34).…”

“…Additionally, when choice programs are voluntary and colorblind, and thus lack the explicit goals of diversity and integration, racial and socioeconomic segregation are reinforced as affluent and White families gain or maintain access to the most desired schools (Wells & Roda, 2009). Holme and Richards (2009) also note that programs that failed to provide adequate information and free transportation options to low-income students saw low participation rates from that demographic.…”

“…However, critics argue that policies allowing districts too much discretion in accepting transfers can generate bias and limit access to the most desired schools (Holme & Richards, 2009, citing Fowler, 1996. Some studies also show that choice can further stratify districts by race and class as higher-income and White students tend to seek transfers more frequently than lower-income and minority students.…”

“…Some researchers claim that the availability of inter-district transfers has provided opportunity to low-income and minority students by allowing them to exit failing neighborhood schools (Burke & Sheffield, 2011;Holme & Richards, 2009). This claim is supported by research on regions such as Boston where inter-district choice does seem to improve prospects of lower-income students.…”

“…The more progressive theory asserts that offering choice will advance equal opportunity by helping socioeconomically disadvantaged students attain a better education than would be provided in their home district (Holme & Richards, 2009). Some researchers claim that the availability of inter-district transfers has provided opportunity to low-income and minority students by allowing them to exit failing neighborhood schools (Burke & Sheffield, 2011;Holme & Richards, 2009).…”