Magnet schools differ from other forms of alternative schools in being specifically intended to assist school systems in their desegregation efforts. Magnet schools have been defined by the federal courts as those having a "distinctive program of study" designed to attract a cross section of students from all racial groups voluntarily. Several magnet school programs have been federally funded since 1972 and have contributed to efforts at desegregation, though none has completely resolved segregation problems on its own. Magnet schools stimulate, involve, and attract parents, students, and teachers, can serve as models for the rest of their districts to emulate, and depend on outstanding principals. Unfortunately, magnet schools can be more expensive, be divisive, seem elitist, serve as pawns in court battles, draw outstanding teachers out of other programs, and may fail to affect significant numbers of students. Careful planning is necessary to make magnet schools effective and alleviate parent and community concerns, and the growing literature on magnet schools may offer some assistance in such efforts. (PGD)