Student Essay on Poor Achievement by Latinos in High School

Poor Achievement by Latinos in High School

Essay

The article "Latinos in School: Some Facts and Findings," describes the current educational status of Latino students. Although Latino students more than likely have the same educational goals as other nationalities, achievement of these goals are consistently lower. This lack of achievement is attributed to poverty, poor school attendance, limited English, and not taking advantage of preschool programs.

Only twenty percent of Latino children are enrolled in preschool even though preschool programs are mainly designed to give poverty-stricken families a chance to give their children a head start in school. Latinos continue to fall behind as they progress through their elementary, middle and high school years. Only sixty three percent of Latinos will graduate from high school. Only 14.5 percent of the college population in the United States consists of Latinos.

We as teachers have to try to do more to help the Latino population achieve their educational goals. School districts need to prepare teachers more so we will have the skills necessary to properly teach these students. I will have four Latinos in my class this year. Three of them have limited English speaking ability. Fortunately, I know some Spanish. We as educators must do everything possible to ensure that these students do not "fall through the cracks."