Magnet Schools Assistance Program

Projects

What is a MSAP Grant?

Purpose of Program:

The Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) is a five-year grant program funded by the US Department of Education that provides grants to local educational agencies to support magnet schools under an approved, required, or voluntary desegregation plan. MSAP provides an opportunity to develop and implement magnet schools that increase racial integration and promote academic opportunity and excellence. MSAP prioritizes the creation and replication of evidence-based magnet programs and magnet schools that seek to reduce, eliminate, or prevent minority group isolation by taking into account socioeconomic diversity.

 

How is the MSAP Program Evaluated? 

The independent program evaluation reports on program fidelity, impact and the following indicators: 

(1) Number and percentage of magnet schools receiving assistance whose student enrollment reduces, eliminates, or prevents minority group isolation

(2) Percentage increase of students from major racial and ethnic groups in magnet schools receiving assistance who score proficient or above on State assessments in reading/language arts as compared to previous year’s data

(3) Percentage increase of students from major racial and ethnic groups in magnet schools receiving assistance who score proficient or above on State assessments in mathematics as compared to previous year’s data

(4) Percentage of magnet schools that received assistance that are still operating magnet school programs three years after Federal funding ends

(5) Percentage of magnet schools that received assistance that meet the State’s annual measurable objectives and, for high schools, graduation rate targets at least three years after Federal funding ends.

  

The Evaluation Group’s Experience with MSAP and School Choice:

  • 2022 Richland County School District One, SC
  • 2022 Clayton County Schools, GA
  • 2021 Beaufort County School District, SC
  • 2017 Richland County School District One, SC
  • 2016 Cabarrus County Schools, NC

 

Additionally, TEG has evaluated a similar School Choice grant program funded through a U.S. Department of Education Investing in Innovation grant.