Sam Axelrath

Latinos or Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group in the United States. More than 1... of every two people added to the nation's population between July 1, 2008, and July 1, 2009, was Hispanic.

“Latino students make up over 20% of the pre- kindergarten-through- high-school students in the United States...” “… but only about half earn their high-school diploma on time.” Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

This growth accounted for over half total population increase

Percent meeting WASL standards (10 th Grade Reading)

Percent proficient in Math 1 (algebra/integrated math)

On-time graduation rate in WA ( ) Combined: 72.4%Latinos: 47.3% Drop-out rate last year in WA Combined: 3.3%Latinos: 7.2% More than twice the average for all groups

ELL 80% of ELL’s are Hispanic 2.5% of ELL teachers possess degree in ESL/bi-lingual ed. ELL’s more likely to live in poverty, be mobile Best Practices Teach explicit, academic English throughout the day Make all staff aware of ELL needs, not just ESL teachers Conduct formative assessments Create an environment that supports diversity

Spending gaps between rich schools and poor schools “High-track” vs. “Low-track” Unequal access to quality teachers Lack of representative teachers Latino children less likely to attend pre-school than whites Therefore… Opportunity Gap!!

The Research Says… 1.High expectations and access to rigorous, advanced courses 2.Pre-K and After-School programs 3.Our old friend - Relationships!!

High Expectations Teachers, Administrators, and school support systems must have high expectations for ALL students. Access to Rigorous Courses ALL students must have access to courses which prepare them for post-secondary opportunities.

Population Served by AVIDAVID Students and College

Math SkillsAnd finally…

Pre-K Programs Research shows lasting benefits Important for children who are likely disadvantaged already (less English, less academic background) After-School Programs Links can made to the school day, but content is delivered in different ways May help keep kids safe during the most dangerous hours for youth: from PM

Relationships with Teachers As role models, teachers of color are believed to boost the self worth of students of color Connecting diverse students to learning Behr’s Story Relationships with Counselors! School may be key counseling resource for Latinos

Be sensitive to cultural diversity as it applies to counseling Latinos Be aware of challenges among Latinos and barriers to counseling Individual vs. Group Counseling; Family? Assisting with family outreach

Resources: Best Practices/Data: Hispanic Education: ELL: shoverview/index.htm shoverview/index.htm Progress/learn/?T_ID=13&P_ID=20&intID=249&t=2#tc Progress/learn/?T_ID=13&P_ID=20&intID=249&t=2#tc