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Hispanic Struggles in American Schools

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Hispanic Struggles in American Schools
Challenges Faced by Hispanic Students in American Schools and How Schools Can Address Identified Needs

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Abstract The United States Hispanic population continues to increase each year. In turn, school populations of Hispanics increase as well. Hispanics, although improving academically, continue to have high school dropout rates, higher than other racial and ethnic groups and continue to lag behind school peers. The discrepancy between Hispanic students and other students’ achievement is the result of many factors, including acculturalization, language acquisition, poverty, and school factors. Schools must understand the challenges of Hispanics and address the Hispanic students’ population through thoughtful interventions. The Bilingual Education Act (1968) set guidelines for state and local government to follow to ensure that English Language Learners (ELLs) do not continue to be left behind academically, linguistically, or socially. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 also holds schools accountable for ensuring that all students achieve mastery in reading and math. It is imperative that schools understand the challenges Hispanics face in order to meet their needs. Keywords: dual language learners, English language learners, limited-English proficient students
Challenges Faced by Hispanic Youth in American Schools and Schools Responsibilities to Addressing Identified Needs The Hispanic population continues to grow and exceed other races and nationalities of people in the United States. Public schools receive the influx of Latinos, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Mexicans. These second language learners join the school system, but they are accompanied by struggles and challenges beyond the monolingual students. Research shows that second language learners are academically behind their counterparts in the areas of



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