Home > Tell the People > Archives > 2008 > November > 30 > Entry
Hispanics and Education
The recent Education Summit is a commendable act for Waco. Creating a community focus for the foundation of educational success has been discussed but never implemented. The community should be applauded for engaging with all available public and private resources and institutions in determining a long term approach for enhancing the benefits of education. Although the education problem is a national issue, solutions start at the community level.
What is deeply troubling is the continued drop out rate for Hispanics. This eternal problem seems unchanged although there have been scores and decades of discussion. What is the solution and can it ever be achieved? Hopefully my suggestions can ignite new ideas to the many educators and professionals who are truly committed in turning this tide.
Recognize cultural differences- Hispanics in America are confronted with an ongoing generational transformation challenge that other races do not experience. The constant influx of newcomers brings the traditional culture associated with Hispanics from their country of origin. The youth of these newcomers come as ESL candidates and are challenged by transforming traditional cultures into American culture. This generation either is overly influenced by traditional culture, becomes disenfranchised due to language, social, or educational barriers, or, transitions into the American experience. More often it is not until the third generation that Hispanics fully understand and become acclimated to the American experience. The Spanish language is also usually lost at the third generation, also losing a valued cultural trait but gaining American values and traditions. This ongoing evolution is not understood in public education. Recognizing this obstacle is only a first step in resolving the problem.
Determine strength in traits and attributes- Hispanics employ a strong work ethic. The generational emphasis in the benefits of education is commonly neglected due a lack of understanding in the opportunities offered in a capitalistic society. The public school system should recognize differences in aptitude testing and create a conducive avenue of technical or mechanical curriculum to continue productive development outside the normal confines of a higher education focus. As with any racial makeup, Hispanics have individuals prepared and disciplined for higher education, but also have a percentage who are not college material. These individuals usually posses other strengths in work traits and attributes that need to be extracted to remain a productive member of society and continue an upward pattern in recognizing other benefits and opportunities offered in the United States.
Collaborate with business institutions- The local economic impact will be determined by various institutions. Unfortunately, the penal institution is a very active and growing institution for Hispanics in the United States. Many who fall into becoming institutionalized by this system were left with little options. It is imperative that we establish a sound strategy with the business institutions into creating a productive and well balanced worker that can transition into the local workplace. Create a program designed for meeting today’s workplace needs and challenges. Once again, aptitude testing can create a guidance stick for determining strengths and weaknesses.
There are other suggestions that I will share in a future blog. This one is too long already. What else can the community implement to change our reputation as a border town and a violent city?
Comments
By Red
November 30, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
We can start by getting rid of all the illegals. They are a drain on our economy, our health care and school system. Teaching these people to speak English is hopeless, because they don’t want to. We cater to their every need. It’s time to put Americans first and quit taking care of everybody else.
By Paco
December 4, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
You can trust them!
By Ray
December 4, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
We teach them, and they take our jobs. I am on welfare, and am a vitcom of this bull.
By Ernesto
December 4, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Illegals are helping the spanish culture, and they help us remember that hard work is something we have lost, and we fear them!
Are they better than us?
By funky h
December 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
To Ray, get off the welfare and work harder so you don’t lose your next job. You are a victim because you choose to be a victim. Stop playing the victim role, get a job like they are doing. Americans don’t want to do the type of jobs the illegals are doing because we have become lazy and look for handouts, such as welfare. So don’t give me the victim BS. I’m sure you voted for Obama, and believe in the spreading the wealth theory. So, stop complaining, and get working. Finding a job these days is a job in itself, you have time to be on the internet whining, but no time for job search. Best wishes on your job hunting.
By Ray
December 8, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
Well funny h, why should anyone get off welfare right now? Our government is giving whole industry welfare. I think more people should like our government and take advantage of welfare. After all, it’s tax money. The illegals don’t deserve welfare but they get it. So while you work hard I hardly work and I get earned income credit also. I feel another three tousand dollar tax check coming this year. Do you feel me? I not the victom, and don’t hate the playa, hate the game. And I don’t vote, but if I did, Obama would be the man. Not some old man and his go go danser.
By jessica
December 8, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Ray,
You probably didn’t vote because you are a convicted felon and you lack the comprehension to research what Obama really stands for. I actually feel sorry for you. What’s the difference between you and the illegals? You are receiving tax dollars for not working, at least most of them work. This blog was about education. Obviously you lack education with your spelling and grammar. Don’t blame it on the school system either. Typical response for a freeloader choosing to live off the system. Everyone makes their own choices, and it seems you chose not to pay attention in English class. I will continue to support your lazy habits, your cable, your plasma screen tv, your “whips”, and your children you probably don’t pay child support for. But I am okay with that, because there has to be a low class to make me high class. SNAP!