Latino Students in American Schools: Historical and Contemporary Views : Historical and Contemporary Views

The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive historical and contemporary view of the education of Latinos in the United States. It is unique in that it provides readers with accurate information that will deepen their understanding and knowledge about Latinos from preschool to higher education, as well as in special education, gifted education, and migrant and urban education. Topics such as bilingualism and teacher preparation are an integral part of this thorough and eloquent book. Among culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the United States, the Latino population is the largest and fastest growing. Thus, to prepare for the growing numbers of Latino children and to make the most of their education, educators, researchers, and policymakers must recognize and build on the invaluable resource represented by Latino students. The information provided is based on current research and practice in the field. Our school system continues to underestimate the cognitive and socioemotional potential of Latino students by its limited awareness and representation of the Latino cultural characteristics, social dynamics, interests and abilities, bilingualism, as well as confronting socioeconomic challenges and educational needs. This situation clearly demonstrates a need for a reformulation of educational practice at all grade levels and for the provision of accurate information to assist practitioners and researchers in their knowledge and practice. This collection of papers presents a historical account of how Latino students experience the U.S. school system from a Latino perspective. The 11 papers are: (1) "Contested Learning: Latino Education in the United States from the 1500s to the Present" (Guadalupe San Miguel, Jr.); (2) "Faces of the Future: Latino Children in Early Childhood Education Programs" (Luis A. Hernandez); (3) "Democratizing Latino Education: A Perspective on Elementary Education" (Lilia I. Bartolome); (4) "The Struggle of Access: The Achievement Trends of Latino Youth in Middle and High School" (Alberto M. Ochoa); (5) "Latino Students in Pursuit of Higher Education: What Helps or Hinders Their Success?" (Alana M. Zambone and Margarita Alicea-Saez); (6) "Bilingual Latino Students: The Contexts of Home and School" (Aquiles Iglesias and Leah C. Fabiano); (7) "Addressing the Needs of Latinos in Special Education" (Alba A. Ortiz); (8) "A Shameful Subject: The Condition of Latino Students in Gifted Education" (Valentina I. Kloosterman); (9) "Ensuring Success for Latino Migrant Students" (Velma D. Menchaca); (10) "Triumphs and Tragedies: The Urban Schooling of Latino Students" (Theresa Montano and Eloise Lopez Metcalfe); and (11) "The Role of Preservice Teacher Education in Serving Latino Students" (Keith J. Suranna). (Papers contain references; the book includes an index.) (SM) This chapter discusses the origins and evolution of Latino education in the United States from the Spanish/Mexican era to the present.