Focus on Latino Learners: Developing a Foundational Understanding of Latino Cultures to Cultivate Student Success

Abstract

With the dramatic increase of diverse student populations in U.S. schools, educators and school professionals are encountering significant difficulties in meeting the needs of struggling students and establishing an overall positive academic climate. This is particularly true with the influx of Latino students, who now constitute the majority of diverse populations in many parts of the country. Furthermore, Latinos are the projected majority population of the United States. Research has indicated a failure to meet the diverse needs of Latino students. As a group, they have historically experienced overrepresentation in disability categories, received a disproportionate number of disciplinary actions, and evidence high dropout rates. In this article, the authors discuss educational and social issues facing Latino populations, present specific points focused on the development of a better understanding of Latino cultures, and offer recommendations regarding ways to better meet the needs of this growing population.