The predictive value of selection criteria on outcome data from two cohorts of students (Total N = 525) accepted to an urban magnet high school were evaluated. Regression analyses of typical screening variables (suspensions, absences, metropolitan achievement tests, middle school grade point averages [GPAs], Matrix Analogies test scores, and demographic variables) on graduation and magnet school GPA indicate that most of the selection variables did not have predictive value. The results of the regression analyses are discussed, as well as the implications for using selection criteria in urban “select” schools.
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