Date of Award
Fall 2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Educational Policy and Leadership
First Advisor
Birren, Jill
Second Advisor
Eckman, Ellen
Third Advisor
Van den Kieboom, Leigh
Abstract
This dissertation explores inequities created by intradistrict school choice policies in a mid-sized urban school district. Five years of parent intradistrict school choice forms, totaling 6,245 submissions, were reviewed and coded to highlight themes pertaining to why parents utilize the intradistrict school choice program. Current student enrollment was pulled and analyzed to show student movement trends based upon demographics such as ethnicity, special education status, and socio-economic levels. This data was utilized in interviews with building principals to determine if perceived inequities posed real consequences to their buildings. The findings suggest inequities in the intradistrict school choice process. Specifically, BIPOC students and economically disadvantaged students were disproportionately underserved as participants within the intradistrict school choice program. This led to greater segregation across the district. The findings were utilized to suggest policy changes that would lead to a more equitable intradistrict school choice process, specifically for BIPOC and economically disadvantaged students. Finally, the findings and implications contribute to the knowledge base surrounding school choice. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are noted within the study.