Education Magazine

Page 8 Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 25, 2023 focus on more abstract social values, such as technology and sustainable energy, or racial and social justice. Proponents of charter schools say that due to their freedom from regulation, they can adopt more innovative educational approaches. This allows them to cater to their particular higher-risk school age populations, which, depending on the area, may include more minority and poor students. Charter schools may also empower parents with more choices for education and improve traditional public schools through competition. Meanwhile, critics maintain that charter schools may not result in higher levels of academic achievement, as it is difficult to find data comparable to traditional public schools in the first place. These schools may also be seen as diverting funds from traditional public schools. Additionally, even with a potential lottery, charter schools can still be prone to bias in student selection. These issues may only serve to compound issues already seen in the public system. Charter schools may seem like an attractive choice. They’re affordable if you can find a spot in a class, and certain subjects may be emphasized that parents find important. But they are not the only institution that sometimes has people scratching their heads. Illinois Magnet Schools There are more than 100 magnet schools in Illinois. Many of these are concentrated in the Chicago Public Schools’ District. Other districts, such as Champaign Unit School District 4, Elgin Area Schools U-46, Evanston/ Skokie School District 65, Rockford Public Schools and Decatur Public Schools have magnet schools. There is also the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), a residential academy for students in grades 10-12, which takes applications from students statewide. Magnet schools are also public schools, and they specialize in specific subject areas or innovative learning approaches. These schools can reach further beyond the boundaries of school districts than most public schools but are still managed and funded by local officials. This differentiates a magnet school from a charter school, as charter schools are publicly funded but privately managed. Magnet schools are both funded and managed publicly but have more freedom than even charter schools to employ specialized themes and subjects. Admission to a magnet school is usually based on some sort of admissions criteria, such as standardized test scores; a first-come, first-serve application process; lotteries; or percentage set-asides for district residents. Different schools work in different ways, so communicating with potential schools is important. “Percentage set-asides” means that students living in the magnet school’s “district” (or otherwise immediate region) may be allowed to attend the magnet school without having to jump through more administrative hoops. For schools that enroll on a first-come, first- served basis, make sure to turn in applications as soon as possible. For those that use a lottery system only, parents may have to repeatedly apply each year. There is also nothing to stop parents from applying to multiple magnet schools, just as students would for colleges. Continued --