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    Back to Which Way, L.A.?

    Which Way, L.A.?

    Have Magnet Schools Outlived Their Usefulness?

    In the 1970's, California courts ordered forced busing to achieve racial integration in LA's public schools. Thousands of white parents then moved away or sent their kids to private schools.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    In the 1970's, California courts ordered forced busing to achieve racial integration in LA's public schools. Thousands of white parents then moved away or sent their kids to private schools. So the Los Angeles Unified School District developed the Magnet Schools, with programs of such high academic standing that all parents would voluntarily send their kids across town. Now, forced busing is a thing of the past, but magnet schools have become the most popular in the district. Parents have until Friday to turn in their applications for next year, and one of the criteria for acceptance will still be race. We get an assessment from parents, educators and administrators.

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Dan Konecky

      Producer, To the Point

    • KCRW placeholder

      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • KCRW placeholder

      Paul McCudden

      parent and professor

    • KCRW placeholder

      Ryane Straus

      assistant professor of political science

    • KCRW placeholder

      Sharon Curry

      assistant superintendent of student integration services

      News
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