This monograph reviews the findings and recommendations of the Hispanic Dropout Project (HDP) and describes successful school-based strategies to combat the dropout problem and promote academic achievement among Hispanic students. Chapter 1 discusses the high Hispanic dropout rate; why Hispanic students drop out; stereotypes and realities; and HDP…

This paper reviews the literature on campus climate as it relates to gaps in participation rates and attainment levels among White, African American, and Latino students. The paper cites reports noting that a large number of African American students perceive racism as a problem on campus, and that a majority perceive themselves to be potential…

The effects of career-related factors and ethnic background on career resilience were examined in a study of 467 graduate and undergraduate students (68 African American, 42 Hispanic, and 357 Anglo American). The students ranged in age from 17 through 56 years and were predominately from middle- to upper-middle-class homes. The 102-item Career…

This book presents a detailed study of the social support networks and help-seeking experiences of low-income Mexican-origin adolescents from immigrant families in the San Diego and San Francisco areas. Drawing on social network data, interviews, and statistical survey data, the book documents and elaborates on the numerous constraints and social…

Although America is engaged in a national dialogue about race, children's voices have yet to be heard on the matter. This study used a series of focus groups and a national poll of 10- to 17-year-olds to examine their views about race and the role of the media in shaping understanding. Participating in the polls were 1,200 children, 300 in each…

This study tested a causal model of student college predisposition that incorporated traditional measures of influences (parents' education, income, gender, parents' expectations, grades, school activities), as well as two additional influences (first-generation status and mentoring) identified in qualitative studies of pre-college through early…

The Write for Your Life project allows students to examine life events that affect their health and well-being by creating spaces for them to inquire into the circumstances of their lives. This paper examines Write for Your Life in a Texas middle school with a diverse student population, focusing on three students' writing projects. (SM)

Investigated young Mexican Americans' perceived control over health and health behaviors in relation to HIV/AIDS knowledge. Demographic, health locus of control, and HIV/AIDS knowledge measures indicated that though students who received school HIV/AIDS education had greater knowledge than those who did not, there was little relationship between…

Discusses the educational crisis of United States Latino/as and argues for recognition of the extent to which schools exercise institutional racism and violence against this cultural sector. Describes a University of Michigan course that trains future Spanish teachers in Latino cultural competence and a community service-learning course offering…

Reports on a study of the relationship of family role and structure with academic achievement among 2,666 Anglo and 492 Mexican American high school students. Relates behavioral, attitudinal, and structural dimensions of families to students' self-reported grades. Finds that familistic attitudes are important to academic success. (CFR)

Families of Hispanic-American children of limited English proficiency are generally being denied the right to choose intensive English-language instruction rather than more typical transitional bilingual education. This article reviews the success of intensive English-language instruction and presents the case for making it available. (SLD)

Racial relations in California, projected to have parity between white and non-white populations by 2050, illustrates the challenges of an increasingly multiracial society in policy areas such as affirmative action, bilingual education, and immigration reform. A new paradigm is needed that goes beyond the current black-white model to encompass…

Using maternal reports of child behavior, evaluated child, maternal, and environmental predictors of behavior problems in 83 African American and Puerto Rican preschoolers of disadvantaged adolescent mothers. Children of teenage mothers were less likely to have behavior problems by age three if the mothers received emotional support from peers and…

This case study shows how joint organizational efforts and individual initiative counteracted social structures inhibiting Latino students' pursuit of higher education. A high school principal, university president, institutional units responsible for student preparation and access to college, students, and their parents created social…

Offers a case study of an organizational model for inviting Latino students into California community colleges and reports on the positive outcomes. Notes the ability of celebratory socialization to create bridges between education and the community. Contains 22 references. (YKH)