Metropolitan school segregation

2000
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Metropolitan school segregation refers to the systemic separation of students based on race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status within metropolitan areas. This type of segregation occurs in urban areas where there are large populations and a significant diversity of students attending public schools.

Metropolitan school segregation can take several forms, including:

1. Racial or ethnic segregation: This occurs when schools in metropolitan areas have a predominantly homogeneous student population, where students from different racial or ethnic backgrounds attend separate schools. This separation can be a result of historical or ongoing discriminatory practices or socioeconomic factors.

2. Socio-economic segregation: This refers to the separation of students based on their socio-economic status within metropolitan areas. Higher-income families often have the resources to live in neighborhoods with better-funded schools, while lower-income families may be relegated to schools with fewer resources.

The consequences of metropolitan school segregation are profound and impact the educational opportunities and outcomes of students. Schools with a high degree of segregation often suffer from unequal funding, fewer resources, and less experienced teachers. This perpetuates educational inequities, leading to lower academic achievement, higher dropout rates, and limited access to college and career opportunities for marginalized students.

Efforts to address metropolitan school segregation have included various policies and initiatives such as busing, magnet schools, school choice, and affirmative action. However, the effectiveness and impact of these measures have varied, and school segregation remains a significant challenge in many metropolitan areas. Efforts need to be continued to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and ensure that all students have equal access to quality schools and resources, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background.

Further reading

Warkentien S. (2019) "Stable or changing? Racial/Ethnic compositions in American public schools, 2000 to 2015", Teachers College Record, 121(9), pp. -. Teachers College, Columbia University. DOI: [1]

Stroub K.J.; Richards M.P. (2017) "Suburbanizing segregation? Changes in racial/ethnic diversity and the geographic distribution of metropolitan school segregation, 2002 2012", Teachers College Record, 119(7), pp. 1-40. Teachers College, Columbia University. DOI: [2]

Reardon S.F.; Yun J.T.; Eitle T.M. (2000) "The changing structure of school segregation: Measurement and evidence of multiracial metropolitan area school segregation, 1989 1995", Demography, 37(3), pp. 351-364. Duke University Press. DOI: 10.2307/2648047