K-12 Education

Pittsburgh Public Schools: Audit of Magnet Schools

Magnet schools have been part of Pittsburgh’s voluntary desegregation and educational improvement efforts since the 1970s. A U.S. Supreme Court decision in June 2007, limiting school districts’ use of race for student assignment, led to a re-examination of the magnet program. Following a competitive request for proposals, Metis Associates was asked to conduct an audit of the district’s 29 programs, which span all grade levels and a wide range of theme-based options. Metis conducted the audit from April to September 2008. A central question was how well the educational programs were aligned with demand from both the regional workforce and from students’ families, and with “best practices” in magnet schools.

Through site visits, interviews, and focus groups, Metis staff consulted principals, central office staff, teachers, and experts in the field of magnet schools and education, as well as local business and community leaders in and around Pittsburgh. Metis also conducted surveys of parents and students inside and outside of the magnet program and analyzed student outcomes and enrollment trends. A major component of this comprehensive audit was the creation of a rubric that was used to rate each program according to various measures of best practices for magnet schools. The results will be used as the Pittsburgh Public Schools move forward with magnet education in the district.