ERIC Number: ED509447
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Mar
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Uneven Playing Field: Demographic Differences and High School "Choice" in Philadelphia. Policy Brief
Research for Action
Every fall, eighth graders participate in the School District of Philadelphia's high school application and admissions process, vying for spots in a tiered system of public high schools across the city. This policy brief looks at disparities in the students who are successful in exercising school "choice" in the District's high school selection process. We found that Blacks, Latinos, males, and special education students were less likely than other groups to complete applications, and also less likely to be ultimately enrolled at a school of their choosing. These disparities were especially great at special admission high schools. The brief provides recommendations for school district reforms to reduce inequities and further research to examine their root causes. (Contains 4 figures and 2 footnotes.) [This brief draws on a larger study, "The Transition to High School: School "Choice" and Freshman Year in Philadelphia".]
Descriptors: High Schools, School Districts, Selective Admission, School Choice, Public Schools, Minority Groups, Racial Differences, Gender Differences, Special Needs Students, Special Education, Disproportionate Representation, English (Second Language), Hispanic American Students, White Students, African American Students, Asian American Students, Enrollment Trends
Research for Action. 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Tel: 215-823-2500; Fax: 215-823-2510; e-mail: info@researchforaction.org; Web site: http://www.researchforaction.org
Publication Type: Numerical/Quantitative Data; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Grade 8; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: William Penn Foundation
Authoring Institution: Research for Action
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A