What have been some of the high points and disappointments of K-12 education over the past 75 years? How have shifting demographics in terms of race, ethnicity, social class and other differences shaped the educational experiences of various segments of the U.S. population? Sonia Nieto examines these questions, beginning with a discussion of the…

Explores research on Puerto Rican students in U.S. schools in combination with fiction by Puerto Ricans. Identifies four themes: colonialism/resistance, cultural deficit/cultural acceptance, assimilation/identity, and marginalization/belonging. Asserts that care is the missing ingredient in the education of Puerto Ricans. (SK)

Interviews elicited from junior/senior high students of varied backgrounds experiences that helped them remain and succeed in school. The case studies demonstrated why student voices must be part of the dialog on school reform. (SK)