Issues Facing Hispanic education in the United States

Despite the fact that Latinos are now among the largest ethnic minority groups in America according to the Census Bureau, Latino communities still face the same educational hurdles as other minorities. For one, Latino education suffers from segregation. Despite the fact that Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark decision which outlawed segregation, is over 50 years old, desegregation efforts peaked in the 1980s. Latino students are becoming increasingly isolated and, together with other minorities, are facing de facto resegregation in the public school system.

Segregation often leaves Latino schools underfunded. The underfunded institutions can mostly be found in poor Latino neighborhoods that also lack other vital services such as health access. They can't provide the expected level of education, which can be easily seen in the school performance of Hispanics. Latino high school completion rates are lower than African Americans and Caucasians. Hispanics are less prepared for college too; in fact, fewer of them complete the SAT core curriculum compared to Caucasians.

Furthermore, English language learning still isn't provided in all schools in the United States. In an English-speaking class, many Latino students still struggle to understand their lessons.

Witnessing the Triumphs of Hispanic education

Although the scope of the educational issues faced by the Latino community is large, progress continues to be made bit by bit. According to the 2012 statistical survey conducted by the Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine, high school completion rates are steadily increasing and a record number of 18 to 24 year old Latin Americans have entered college. Additionally, a record number of degrees have been conferred to Hispanics of all ages, which will hopefully be surpassed in the coming years.

Promoting Hispanic education in the United States

Hispanically Speaking News wishes to bring the issues of Latino education to the consciousness of the Hispanic and American community. As one of the fastest growing minorities in the United States, Hispanic children hold the responsibility of the country's future, not just the community's or their family's future. Improving the education sector's conditions will help cement and grow the country's knowledge-based economy, and increase employment opportunities for Latinos.

HS News will also cover human interest stories and news related to Latino education to clearly showcase the country's current educational landscape.

To learn about other issues related to Hispanic education, readers may also join and discuss their thoughts in the HSN Forums.