To Choose or not to Choose: Equity in Connecticut in the Wake of Sheff v. O'Neill

This article considers the complex process of having students cross the boundaries of race, class, and culture in the Open Choice program, a remedy designed to reduce the racial, social, and economic isolation of Connecticut school children in the wake of the ruling in the Sheff v. O'Neill (1996) desegregation case. Using transcripts from three focus discussion groups, personal interviews, and a student forum, the authors present the voices and perspectives of students and parents who are crossing these boundaries, as well as the voices of educators they meet on the other side. A variety of issues and concerns emerge from the conversations that raise questions about the efficacy of Open Choice and busing, and their potential impact on student achievement. We argue that crossing boundaries of race, class, and culture requires a long-term commitment to fundamental social change and consistent efforts to raise the racial consciousness of educators through a statewide overhaul of professional development, specifically in the area of multicultural diversity training.

We acknowledge Thom L. Brown, Diversity Leadership Forum; Joan Martin, Connecticut State Department of Education (retired); and Carolyn McNally, Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) for their encouragement, collaboration and support. Without their insights this project never would have begun.

Notes

1. Focus group questions are available by contacting the lead author.