Interpreting the Evidence
"Hispanics: Some Basic Facts," The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 16, 1987
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
Article, "Hispanics: Some Basic Facts," from "The Chronicle of Higher Education," September 16, 1987.
Historical Context
Latino youth face many economic and social obstacles to academic achievement. They have the highest dropout rates in the nation and low graduation and college enrollment rates.
The key to educational success in the early grades is learning to read. Researchers have learned that if your child has not learned to read by nine years of age, or third grade, the education process will be much more difficult for him or her throughout high school.
While certain aspects of education are unique to Hispanic children due to language and/or cultural differences, there are also many aspects of the education system that are no different for Hispanic children than for other children in the United States.
A college education beyond high school is rapidly becoming a necessity to succeed in today’s economy. Hispanic Americans are becoming more and more aware of this new reality and are seeking various sources to make a college education possible.
The key to educational success in the early grades is learning to read. Researchers have learned that if your child has not learned to read by nine years of age, or third grade, the education process will be much more difficult for him or her throughout high school.
While certain aspects of education are unique to Hispanic children due to language and/or cultural differences, there are also many aspects of the education system that are no different for Hispanic children than for other children in the United States.
A college education beyond high school is rapidly becoming a necessity to succeed in today’s economy. Hispanic Americans are becoming more and more aware of this new reality and are seeking various sources to make a college education possible.
Essential Question
Why is educational success important for immigrants?
Check for Understanding
Identify the main idea of this documents and explain why the author focuses on education of the hispanic population.
Historical Challenges
Research five successful Hispanics in different aspects of American society. Report your findings on what made them successful. Is there a common theme interwoven throughout their personal biographies?
Compare Hispanic population projections stated in 1987 with the latest population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Research which geographic areas of the country Hispanics reside in and which trends are now projected. How close do you think their prediction for 2010 will be?
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math: Using the Internet, research the educational achievements and/or income levels of various Hispanic groups (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominicans, Cubans, etc.). Create graphs from information gathered. Draw conclusions from your findings.
Math: Create a graph from the statistics given concerning attendance at college.
English Language Arts: Write to a college you might be interested in attending to request information on its percentage of Hispanic students. Has that number increased or decreased in the past decade? Are there any bilingual programs there?