The Factors That Inhibit Black and Hispanic Students from Succeeding in Middle Tennessee Magnet Schools: A Snapshot of America

Abstract

Black and Hispanic students in magnet schools are underrepresented in the educational conversation. Magnet schools provide academic enrichment and rigor that could greatly benefit Black and Hispanic students, most of whom are statistically more likely to be disadvantaged than White peers. However, in Middle Tennessee, a region with relatively high racial diversity, the racial demographics of magnet schools do not reflect the demographics of the broader region and fall short in serving these students. I completed a review of literature to discover the factors that inhibit Black and Hispanic students from applying to, being admitted into and staying in magnet schools. Next, I completed four interviews with Black and Hispanic adult graduates of Middle Tennessee magnet schools to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Finally, I analyzed and synthesized the data from the review of literature and interviews to draw conclusions for Middle Tennessee magnet schools. I found that the location where a student resides, a student’s family dynamics, transportation issues, and student race-based beliefs are the factors that inhibit Black and Hispanic students from succeeding in Middle Tennessee magnet schools. I presented re-examining school zones and allocating funds to buses and translation resources as potential solutions.