School choice, local discretion, and stratification: Evidence from inter-district open enrollment in Metro Detroit

In this study, I use longitudinal data on inter-district open enrollment patterns and policies to estimate the effect of local decisions over open enrollment policy on non-resident enrollment in Wayne County, Michigan—which includes Detroit and parts of the metropolitan Detroit area. I find that when districts set more restrictive open enrollment policies, they enroll fewer new non-resident students, driven by a decrease in new Black, Hispanic, and low-income non-resident students specifically. When districts allow inter-district open enrollment, racial and socioeconomic segregation within those districts remain unchanged, and racial isolation slightly increases. My findings suggest that regulating enrollment policies to reduce discretionary exclusion can increase access to inter-district choice for some low-income and racially minoritized students, but that these kinds of policy changes are unlikely to reduce racial segregation and socioeconomic stratification more broadly.<br><br>This research result used data structured and maintained by the MERI-Michigan Education Data Center (MEDC). MEDC data are modified for analysis purposes using rules governed by MEDC and are not identical to those data collected and maintained by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and/or Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI). Results, information, and opinions solely represent the analysis, information, and opinions of the author and are not endorsed by, or reflect the views or positions of, grantors, MDE, and CEPI or any employee thereof. All errors are my own.