Debunking Myth of Houston ISD Recruiting

[TexasTerror]

A whole article on magnet programs.

Of the magnet programs I was involved in while in Houston ISD, the toughest competition was for middle school. The one I ended up going to was probably one of the top two in the city and practically every student in the magnet program is zoned in.

People say that recruitment is involved, but for some of the schools - like Bellaire and Lamar - the academic requirements are really tough. Bellaire in particularly, you have to take an exam during eighth grade and they have such limited space to begin with. Hence, a lot of people move into the residency zone to put their kids there.

Sports teams in the Houston Independent School District often face accusations of recruiting because of the district's extensive magnet program.

In HISD, a number of students attend schools they are not zoned to in order to participate in specialty academic programs offered by the various high schools.

Although HISD athletes participate in those programs, school officials say it would be difficult for a coach to use the program as a recruiting tool nor should it be blamed for some of the imbalances in the district's athletic programs. These imbalances are most notably demonstrated by the recent success of Yates' boys basketball team.

For a student in HISD to enroll in any of the magnet programs, he or she must qualify as early as eighth grade, said Dottie Bonner, HISD's manager for magnet programs. The programs, ranging from Fine Arts to Law Enforcement to Aviation Science, are extensive, and students must start the programs as freshmen. HISD has 23 high schools with magnet programs, and 21 of those play sports.

“Whether a student is zoned to a particular high school or not, he has to apply and qualify for its magnet program,â€￾ Bonner said. “You can't just show up and you are in the magnet program. It doesn't work that way.â€￾

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/hso/6816720.html

 

[East Tex Tiger]

A whole article on magnet programs.

People say that recruitment is involved, but for some of the schools - like Bellaire and Lamar - the academic requirements are really tough. Bellaire in particularly, you have to take an exam during eighth grade and they have such limited space to begin with. Hence, a lot of people move into the residency zone to put their kids there.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/hso/6816720.html

Apparently this does not apply to athletes. I know this for a fact.

 

[C-LeB28]

Apparently this does not apply to athletes. I know this for a fact.

Exactly.

"Whether a student is zoned to a particular high school or not, he has to apply and qualify for its magnet program,â€￾ Bonner said. “You can't just show up and you are in the magnet program. It doesn't work that way.â€￾

The programs fill up quickly, and the deadline for applications from this year's eighth-graders was Jan. 8.

 

[the band fan]

If that was the case then Lamar would qualify alot of kids for college instead of the chosen few

Isiah Rusher grew up in 5th ward, goes to Key Middle but goes to Bellaire for 9th grade...went back to Kashmere when they realized he was a head case...we all know he was not there for the magnet school

 

[lil_j]

Ummmm......Isn't this HISD's policy, as long as the school is not over crowded AND you have a ride to the school you can go to whatever school you wish?

 

[EB]

HHhhhhmmmmmm........

I read an article on high school basketball players and the AAU. I think I should find it and again read it. :read: