Knowledge From the Field

Dropped? Latino Education and Arizona's Economic Future

Published: May 2012

Publisher(s): Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University

Author(s): Hart, Bill; C.J. Eisenbarth Hager

Funder(s): Helios Education Foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust

View Report (40 pages; 4.03B; PDF)

Area of Focus: Accountability; Low-Performing Schools

Abstract

The report describes persistent barriers to educational opportunities and the achievement gap Latinos face, implications for the state, and strategies for improving the educational system and Latino educational attainment.

Key Findings and/or Recommendations

=Latinos, the fastest-growing population group in Arizona, continue to lag well behind the state’s white population in educational performance.

=The Latino education gap and rising Latino population impact Arizona’s economic future: An educated, highly-skilled workforce is required for the state to attract industry and compete in the global economy.

=Addressing the education gap requires a long-term commitment that transcends election cycles; leadership from elected officials, the Latino community, and parents; funding (Arizona spends less on education per pupil than nearly every other state); and addressing the complex socio-economic barriers that many Hispanic families face.

Focus: Arizona

Subjects/Keywords: Achievement; Barrier; Gap; Hispanic; Latino; Performance

+ Successful strategy
= Observation
– Challenge