A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Lessons from Experience

Successful approaches to promoting high educational achievement among Hispanic students vary according to local interests, needs, resources, and length of residence in the district, yet experience in schools and districts points to some common characteristics for effectively reaching Hispanic students:

• Successful programs for Hispanic students implement curriculum focused on literacy, based on high standards, and aligned with assessments. Literacy-focused curriculum is essential because literacy forms the basis for all other instruction. Strategies to accommodate students’ language and cultural resources remain centered on achieving high standards. Assessments that serve as benchmarks are aligned with standards and inform instructional decisions. Successful programs coordinate resources to offer effective and comprehensive learning experiences.

• Successful programs build the capacity of teachers and organizations to serve Hispanic students. High-quality, in-depth professional development is a key component in Hispanic students’ academic growth. Preservice education, with a focus on attracting qualified candidates from the Hispanic community, is the first step in producing well-prepared teachers. In-service education that is collaborative, continuous, and schoolwide and that enhances teachers’ capacity to accommodate a diverse student population keeps the program effective. Well-structured, organizational arrangements provide the time, materials, and incentives for teachers to grow.

• Successful programs get families and the community involved in Hispanic students’ education. Hispanic students achieve more when families and communities work with the school to bridge cultural and language differences. Training parents and staff to create such partnerships is often a necessary first step.

• Successful programs build strong foundations for Hispanic students’ postsecondary options. Schools counsel students early and often to make sure that they take the courses and fulfill the requirements that they need to achieve their postsecondary goals. Personalized education that integrates career and academic preparation can help students see the value of ongoing education.

Schools that help Hispanic students achieve high standards invest energy in solving problems. They view students’ success as a shared responsibility, and everyone—teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, community leaders, and students—plays a role in students’ learning. They use Title I, Title VII, and other federal, state, and local funds strategically to implement programs that are most appropriate for their students.

[Chapter 5: Building Sturdy Foundations for Postsecondary Options]

[Works Cited]