The article examines the METCO program, which has bused Boston students to suburban schools since the 1960s as part of school integration efforts. It reviews research on long-term results, including college graduation rates for participants compared to non-participants. The piece covers historical context and recent data on program effects.
Key Points
- METCO buses Boston students to suburban schools for integration purposes.
- Research tracks college graduation rates among program participants.
- The program operates as a voluntary school integration initiative in the Boston area.
Implications for Educational Freedom
The METCO program demonstrates a policy mechanism for cross-district school access outside traditional boundaries. It provides data on outcomes from expanded enrollment options for urban families. Such programs relate to school choice by enabling attendance at schools beyond assigned districts.
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