ERIC Number: ED461464
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2000-Nov
Pages: 127
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
They Are Our Kids: Findings from the Latino Dropout Study.
University of South Florida, Tampa. Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Inst.
A study explored factors contributing to the high attrition rate of Latino students in Hillsborough County (Florida) schools. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 54 teachers; 52 high-achieving, 39 at-risk, and 6 dropout Latino middle and high school students; and 14 parents. Findings indicate that factors important to academic success of Latino students were student motivation, student involvement in activities, and supportive parents and teachers. Factors contributing to Latino student dropout included student motivation and peer associations, lack of parental support, language and cultural barriers, school system issues and policies, and poor teacher-student relationships. Participants felt that the most likely social impacts resulting from Latino students dropping out would be their future lack of employment and life opportunities and increased involvement in illegal activities. Resources available to meet the needs of Latino students included Latino clubs, academic remediation, Latino or bilingual staff supports, programs for migrant students, job training programs, and occupational counseling. Programs for the larger student body focusing on promoting academic, vocational, or personal success were also identified. Recommendations included increasing support from parents, Latino/bilingual staff, and mentors; improving communication between schools, students, and parents; promoting appreciation for Latino culture; and improving access to available services and supports. Ten appendices present participant demographics, school district withdrawal codes, reasons for placement into alternative education, focus group and interview guides, and the screening survey. (TD)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Dropout Research, Dropouts, Family Influence, Focus Groups, High Risk Students, High Schools, Hispanic American Students, Middle Schools, Parent Attitudes, School Holding Power, Student Attitudes, Student Attrition, Student Motivation, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Student Relationship
Children's Board of Hillsborough County, 1205 East 8th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. Tel: 813-229-2884. For full text: http://www.childrensboard.org/PDF/Latinodropoutstudy.pdf.
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Hillsborough County Children's Board, Tampa, FL.
Authoring Institution: University of South Florida, Tampa. Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Inst.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A