This book highlights episodes in the history of Hispano education in New Mexico, from early territorial days through the New Deal. The 90 years from 1850 to 1940 demonstrate the persistence of the notion that culture can be determined from above, and that schools are a viable tool for determining culture. The myth that Hispanos did not value…

In the 1930s, educational leaders in New Mexico turned to the General Education Board (originally created to assist southern African-American students) for philanthropic aid, envisioning reforms geared to the needs of Hispanic students. The board's sponsorship allowed great latitude to some very innovative educators who were sensitive to cultural…