Although many national studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of magnet programs, there is limited research involving math, science, and technology magnet schools and their influence on student academic performance, especially at the middle school level. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a statistical difference existed between those students' academic achievement who participated in math, science, and technology magnet programs in middle school and those who did not. Specifically, this study explored possible differences of students' academic achievement in math and science as measured by the state achievement test as a function of participation in a math, science, and technology magnet program and non-magnet program for the full three years of middle school (i.e., sixth- through eighth-grade). In addition, this study examined if ethnicity, socioeconomic, and/or gender have a moderating effect on math and/or science achievement. This study was conducted in a large urban school district in Texas. The test scores of a total of 1,551 eighth grade students who had participated in math, science, and technology magnet programs and non-magnet programs for the full three years of middle schools were analyzed. To measure student achievement, the math and science Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) exams were examined. In general, the students who participated in the magnet programs had higher math and science achievement as measured by the TAKS exams. There are several conclusions and recommendations as a result of this research. In general, it is recommended that district leaders must carefully analyze and place great emphasis upon the following areas: (a) the financial cost of adequately funding a magnet program; (b) the accountability standards; and (c) the ultimate goal of magnet programs. This research has demonstrated in a general framework that magnet programs do produce higher achieving students. Therefore, appropriate, immediate, and necessary steps must be taken to ensure equity in access to high quality magnet programs for all students.

This Congressional hearing on the reauthorization of the Bilingual Education Act, held in McAllen Texas, focuses on issues to consider in the reauthorization of the Bilingual Education Act. After opening statements by Chairman Michael Castle and Representative Ruben Hinojosa, both of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, U.S. House of Representatives, there are seven statements by the following individuals: Ellen M. Gonzalez, Associate Executive Director, Region One Education Service Center, Edinburg, Texas; Josefina Villamil Tinajero, Assistant Dean and Professor of Bilingual Education, University of Texas El Paso, Texas; Gloria F. Garza, kindergarten teacher, Pharr, Texas; Alba Ortiz, Associate Dean, University of Texas Austin, Texas; Gilberto Anzaldua, Superintendent, El Paso Independent School District, Texas; Gloria Gallegos, Executive Director of Special Programs, Pasadena Independent School District, Texas; and Hilda Medrano, Deal of College of Education, University of Texas, Pan American, Edinburg, Texas. Eight appendixes present the opening statement and written statements. (SM)