Awareness of Gender GAP Between Latinas and Latinos Graduating from High School

Table of Contents Introduction The Gap in Educational Performance Among Races The Gap in Educational Performance Among Genders Gap Between Genders - Causes Gap Between Latinas and Latinos- Causes Gap Between Latinas and Girls from Other Races - Causes Conclusion Sources

Introduction The educational achievement differences between white and minority students are well documented and understood. However, the GAP in educational performance between the genders is less appreciated.

The GAP in Educational Performance Among Races High school graduation rates

The GAP in Educational Performance Among Genders Difference in graduation rates between females and males within each ethnic group (Females of all racial groups graduate from high school at higher rates than their male counterparts.)

Gender Graduation Gap-Causes Public schools have focused their instruction on female students to the detriment of males. Minority males feel attracted to short-term opportunities in the employment market. Teachers give up on them because they find them threatening.

Gap Between Latinas and Latinos-Causes Latino males experience greater peer pressure. Latino males are forced to work at a young age. Latino males are not at grade level academically- creates frustration-leads to lack of interest in learning and moving on to higher grades/higher education. Latino males experience greater behavioral problems. Latino males receive less parental support during their early years of school.

Gap Between Latinas and Girls from Other Races - Causes U.S. schools are not meeting the educational needs of Latinas – bilingualism. Face pressure about going to college from community, family needs, peers……etc. Face stereotyping and other obstacles that discourages success in school. Fear for their personal safety – Often assumed to be gang members by teachers and counselors because they speak Spanish.

Conclusion Studies identify high school as the beginning of the problems. However, results/causes show that high school is actually the end of the problem. The important thing is that the studies identify an ongoing problem which means that there’s still time to make a difference in some boys’ lives.

Sources American Association of University Women, (AAUW). Manhattan Institute.Manhattan Institute U.S. Department of Education-National Assessment of Educational Progress.