Academic Achievement of First-Generation Mexican American Males in a Community College

Academic Achievement of First-Generation Mexican American Males in a Community College

Author: Carlos C. Peña

Publisher: Universal-Publishers

Published: 2012-12

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 1612339522

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The purpose of this study was to examine the complexities of successful attainment and achievement of 10 Mexican American males in a rural Southwest community college. This study strives to offer insights concerning the questions: (a) what behavioral patterns of current family, peers, and conditions in school have influenced the educational decisions of these Mexican American males? and (b) what social conditions motivate these Mexican American males to seek and achieve higher education despite adversity? This qualitative research was also aimed at establishing and understanding how a selected number of Mexican American males have achieved academic success. The researcher chose 10 men with either an associate of arts or an associate of science degrees for an in-depth interview and used a semi-structured interview guide in an effort to prompt oral discourse. The interviewer posed questions concerning academic conditions, family impact, college environment, and financial issues. The responses to the questions led to similar themes involved in these students' course completion and graduation. The researcher used a theoretical framework using Bandura's Social Learning Theory (1977) in which he suggests that not only environmental factors, but motivational factors along with self-regulatory mechanisms affect an individual's behavior. This research illustrated the conditions that facilitated reaching the participant's educational goal and mission, which was to complete a two-year degree at the community college. The inquiry examined the behavioral patterns that have been an influence on the educational decisions of these Mexican American males, and what social conditions have motivated them to seek and achieve higher education despite adversity.


High-Achieving Latino Students

High-Achieving Latino Students

Author: Susan J. Paik

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2020-03-01

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1648020127

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High-Achieving Latino Students: Successful Pathways Toward College and Beyond addresses a long-standing need for a book that focuses on the success, not failure, of Latino students. While much of the existing research works from a deficit lens, this book uses a strength-based approach to support Latino achievement. Bringing together researchers and practitioners, this unique book provides research-based recommendations from early to later school years on “what works” for supporting high achievement. Praise for High-Achieving Latino Students "This book focuses on an important issue about which we know little. There are many lessons here for both scholars and educators who believe that Latino students can succeed. I congratulate the authors for taking on this timely and significant topic." ~ Guadalupe Valdés, Ph.D., Bonnie Katz Tenenbaum Professor in Education, Stanford University. Author of Con Respeto: Bridging the Distances Between Culturally Diverse Families and Schools "This is a must-read book for leaders in institutions of both K-12 and higher education who want to better understand success factors of Latino students in the US. Using a strength-based framework to understand and support Latino achievement is a new paradigm that must be considered by all." ~ Loui Olivas, Ed.D., President, American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education "In addition to being the right book at the right time, these editors should be congratulated for giving us a stellar example of how a research-practice collaboration comes together to produce such a valuable and lasting contribution to the field of school reform and improvement. Those who work in schools, universities, think tanks and policymaking centers have been waiting anxiously for this kind of book, and it’s now here." ~ Carl A. Cohn, Ed.D., Former Executive Director, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, CA State Board of Education member, and Superintendent "There may not be a silver bullet for solving the so-called problem of Latino underachievement, but well-conceived solutions do exist. This powerful book offers strength- and asset-based frameworks that demonstrate Latino achievement is possible. Read this text to not only get informed, but to also get nurtured and inspired!" ~ Angela Valenzuela, Ph.D., Professor in Education, University of Texas at Austin. Author of Subtractive Schooling: US-Mexican Youth and the Politics of Caring


Patterns of Success for Latino Middle School Students

Patterns of Success for Latino Middle School Students

Author: April Lynn Bennett

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13:

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This study examined the characteristics of successful students of Hispanic-descent in middle school. The factors that influence these students' success were also examined. Finally, the student participants expressed their ideas about the causes of academic failure for many of their peers. The literature reviewed the complexities of the issues of success and failure for students of Latino-descent in the California public school system. One English teacher at the school site were this study took place was asked to give his definition of a successful student and recommend five student participants for this study. All five students agreed to participate by providing written responses to five journal prompts. Other data were collected from two classroom observations. Analysis of the data yielded a framework of three main patterns of success for these students: Personal Identity, Family Influence, and Teacher Influence. Implications for the classroom include an improved understanding of Latino student backgrounds and the important role of the teacher in their academic experience.


The Latino Education Crisis

The Latino Education Crisis

Author: Patricia C. Gandara

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 428

ISBN-13: 0674047052

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Drawing on both extensive demographic data and compelling case studies, this book reveals the depths of the educational crisis looming for Latino students, the nation's largest and most rapidly growing minority group.