Latinos for Education gathers, lifts, and activates the collective Latino community voice on issues impacting Latino students and families. We aim to influence decision-making and be decision-makers in our regions of Massachusetts and Greater Houston as well as nationally.

ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS

Educator Diversity Act

For students of color to thrive in the classroom, they need to see themselves represented in their teachers and role models. Research shows that students perform better and have a more positive experience in school when the educators throughout our education system reflect and mirror the demographics of our students.

In Massachusetts, we’re leading the charge to diversify the educator pipeline from attraction to retention.

Read more here.

The Latino Action Agenda

The Latino Action Agenda aims to correct the inequities faced by Latino students, families, and educators by identifying viable policy solutions to barriers encountered in the educator workforce, early childhood, K-12, and higher education systems.

Crafted in partnership with Latino practitioners, families, and leaders, the agenda drives our policy and advocacy efforts.

Read more here.

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Voces Latinas: A Survey of Voter Priorities in Education

Our report shares key takeaways from a survey of hundreds of Latino educators, parents, and education leaders regarding four key policy areas:  

  • Educator Diversity
  • Early Childhood Education (ECE)
  • K­­ -12 Education
  • Higher Education

The survey was conducted online in both English and Spanish and included respondents from every sector of the education pipeline, including early childhood, K-12, higher education, education policy, and education technology.

Equity in Education: Examining the Interplay of Accountability, Curriculum, Student Outcomes, and Diverse Teacher Recruitment

Dive into firsthand accounts detailing the challenges our Latino educators face in areas such as recruitment and retention, curriculum and pedagogy, and assessments and accountability. The report is rich with data points, quotes, and comments from multiple focus groups of educators. The comprehensive report highlights strategies to foster meaningful connections among schools, teachers, and students, with a particular emphasis on the recruitment, employment, and retention of diverse educators. Download the report today.

In Pursuit of Greatness: Bold Strategies to Grow a Strong and Diverse Educator Workforce

Is a report released by Latinos for Education, MassINC, and Boston University Wheelock Educational Policy Center. The report examines the progress made towards diversifying the Massachusetts educator workforce and assesses trends to simulate what the racial and ethnic composition of educators in the state will be in 2030. This report analysis builds a strong case for the passage of comprehensive legislation such as the Educator Diversity Act.

The Power of Language: Educational Transformation Through the Lens of Latino Parents and Educators

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, Latinos for Education is committed to meeting the needs of our increasingly diverse student population in Greater Houston. The white paper, The Power of Language: Educational Transformation Through the Lens of Latino Parents and Educators, includes the results from a survey of 400 Houston area Latino parents and educators, many of whom are both parents and educators.

Latinos Speak: A Candid Reflection on Assessments and Accountability

The future of assessments became a trending and heavily debated topic when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the physical closure of schools. In 2022, Latinos for Education commissioned a national poll from Barreto Segura Partners (BSP) Research to survey random sample of Latino parents, guardians and educators on the views, perspectives, and attitudes on assessments and accountability systems in the public-school sector.

MA COVID report cover

LATINO EDUCATION IN THE TIME OF COVID: The Pandemic’s Unique Impact on Latino Students and Families in Massachusetts

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Latino community. In order to highlight the Latino experience and identify needs and solutions, Latinos for Education gathered the perspective from about 350 Latinos in Massachusetts (Spanish-speaking families, teachers, school leaders, and multi-sector leaders) on how COVID-19 is uniquely impacting Latino students and families. We also asked Latinos to share insights for solutions to support the Latino community through this pandemic. The findings informed this report.

Read more here.

LATINO EDUCATION IN THE TIME OF COVID: The Pandemic’s Unique Impact on Latino Students and Families in Greater Houston

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Latino community. In order to highlight the Latino experience and identify needs and solutions, Latinos for Education gathered the perspective from about 400 Latinos in Greater Houston (Spanish-speaking families, teachers, school leaders, and multi-sector leaders) on how COVID-19 is uniquely impacting Latino students and families. We also asked Latinos to share insights for solutions to support the Latino community through this pandemic. The findings informed this report.

Read more here.

MIRRORS FOR LATINX STUDENTS: Attracting and Retaining Latinx Teachers in Massachusetts

Research shows that a key factor holding back students’ potential is that the adults throughout our education system do not mirror the demographics of our schools. When Latino students have teachers with the same background, these teachers reflect the same culture as students – which creates an environment for students to have their identity affirmed.

The system has not evolved to support the state’s rapidly growing Latino community or acknowledge its strength and potential. The implication is that a Latino child in Massachusetts may never encounter a Latino teacher between kindergarten and 12th grade. The end result is that few Latino students are being prepared to succeed in school, careers, and life.

Read more here.