It is critical that we examine impacts that recent immigration policies such as SB1070 are having on Arizona's youngest Latino learners.The large number of Latinos under the age of five, and the impact that this upcoming generation of Latinos will have on all aspects of life in Arizona merits a closer look. In this qualitative study, we…

Popular views about language and how children and youth learn language are based mainly in cognitive approaches in support of a common knowledge theory of language development. This common theory feeds into the efforts to increase teacher and learner accountability as measured on narrow assessments of what it means to use language well and in…

In this paper, I argue that school-to-prison pipeline (SPP) research on Latina/os shows the existence of an interconnected system of policies and social practices, in and out of schools, punitive and non-punitive in nature, which together work to criminalize Latina/o students and their families. This intersection (Crenshaw, 1991) and multiplicity…

In this article I argue that mothering in the home is an educational tool for creating positive self-agency in Latina girls. This essay articulates the ways in which my lived experiences as a Latina mother informs the socialization of "guerrera" girls. I engage in a process of "testimonio" to demonstrate how mothering, by using tools such as…

In April 2010, Arizona made national headlines when Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070, the "Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act" which was aimed at deterring illegal immigration to Arizona. SB 1070 is the most prominent of a series of laws and other state policies targeting immigrants in Arizona that date back to the late…

In this article, the authors explore the importance of interpersonal relationships for facilitating Latino/a students' academic success, focusing on the way that dynamic notions of culture enhance their understanding of these crucial relationships. The authors discuss two types of relationships that support student success: (1) relationships with…

In this article, the authors examine some of the historical instructional approaches that have been used with Latino/a students, and they analyze the impact these have had on their educational experiences and outcomes. They also highlight some participatory action research projects and culturally responsive pedagogy as promising instructional…

The United States is both morally and legally obligated to equally educate all of its students. It means that the US has to provide all students with equal access and equal resources. Historically and currently this goal has not been met. To truly provide all students with equal resources would require reformative action at many levels. Leveling…

The State of Texas' education finance mechanism--known as the Foundation School Program (FSP)--was challenged in a series of litigation known as "Edgewood v. Kirby I-IV" and "West Orange Cove I-II". Though the state Supreme Court's holding ultimately moved the Texas Assembly to make changes in the funding mechanism, not since the 1980s has there…