Latino Education in the Time of COVID: The Pandemic’s Unique Impact on Latino Students and Families in Houston

August 2020

Over 50% of students in Houston are Latino. In order for our student population to be successful, Latino students need to be successful. COVID-19 is deeply impacting the Latino community across Greater Houston, and we know the solutions that we generate for Latinos will be even more effective if they incorporate the Latino experience. In an effort to gather the Latino perspective and identify solutions, Latinos for Education gathered the perspective from about 400 Latinos in Houston (Spanish-speaking families, teachers, school leaders, and multi-sector leaders) on how COVID-19 is uniquely impacting Latino students and families including solutions. We asked the following questions: 

  1. From your perspective, how is COVID-19 uniquely challenging Latino students and families?  
  2. What are your family’s top three primary needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? 
  3. What help or resources do you need to support your children with your children’s education during this pandemic? 
  4. What policies and solutions should be created to support Latino students and families through COVID-19?  
  5. Which decision-makers should we prioritize including in this conversation and how should we advocate during the COVID-19 crisis? 

Latinos for Education gathered the Latino voice on these aforementioned questions in May and June 2020 and compiled the findings into this report.

KEY THEMES

While each group surveyed shared different perspectives on the needs of Latinx students and families based on their vantage point, there was an overlap in identifying the most pressing needs. The 12 key themes were narrowed into five categories of key insights.

Key Insights 

  • Latino parents are most concerned with the mental health of their children. 
  • Inequitable access to technology and connectivity has been exacerbated by the pandemic.  
  • Learning loss will continue with the absence of quality virtual learning experiences.  
  • Inequitable access to basic services such as income, housing and food is a major barrier to student success.  
  • Latinos must be represented in leadership and driving decision-making on long-term solutions to systemic inequities.

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