ERIC Number: EJ1053480
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1361-3324
EISSN: N/A
Indigenous Mexican Culture, Identity and Academic Aspirations: Results from a Community-Based Curriculum Project for Latina/Latino Students
Luna, Nora; Evans, William P.; Davis, Bret
Race, Ethnicity and Education, v18 n3 p341-362 2015
The Latina/Latino population is the largest minority group in the United States and has the highest high school dropout rate of any ethnic group. Nationally, just over one-half of Latina/Latino students graduate on time with a regular diploma, compared to nearly 80% of Whites. Because of the growing population and the wide achievement gap, there is utility in understanding factors, strategies and programs that facilitate the academic performance of Latina/Latino students in order to address a serious social justice issue in education. This study examines a community-based cultural program about indigenous Mesoamerican traditions and heritage. Results of the mixed-method evaluation study include quantitative and qualitative data for 225 high school students who were primarily Latina/Latino. Students participated in a program based on Mesoamerican ancestry that sought to enhance academic aspirations and reduce high school dropout intentions. Survey results indicated positive changes in ethnic identity and improvements in academic aspirations. Interviews revealed enhanced attachment to ethnic identity and higher academic aspirations, as well as how the program could be improved for future participants. Implications of this culturally relevant curriculum as a strategy to enhance student academic motivation and aspirations are discussed.
Descriptors: Hispanic American Students, High School Students, Dropout Rate, Achievement Gap, Culturally Relevant Education, Academic Aspiration, Social Justice, Indigenous Populations, Mexicans, Heritage Education, Mexican Americans, Ethnicity, Identification (Psychology), Mixed Methods Research, Program Evaluation, Student Attitudes, Attitude Change, Pretests Posttests, Educational Attitudes, Questionnaires, Interviews, Grounded Theory
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nevada
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A