Latino Dropouts in Rural America: Realities and Possibilities

Latino high school students in rural communities talk about dropping out of school.

This book affords Latino high school dropouts from rural communities in Idaho the opportunity to tell their stories in their own words. It candidly reveals students’ school experiences, explores why students leave school, and looks at the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001). Four of the nine students interviewed for the book passed NCLB-mandated state graduation tests, two others passed two of three sections, and all were capable of achieving success in school. The decision to leave school was connected with students’ seeking personal satisfaction and to reduce the social-psychological pain of schooling. In certain cases principals and teachers blamed the Latino students for disadvantaging the school. Latino Dropouts in Rural America presents a systematic approach for addressing the main problem: a lack of cultural responsiveness in school curriculum, instruction, policies, and practices. The leadership plan recommended by the authors will help educators to understand the lives of rural Latino youth and to critique their own schools.

“This book gives voice, in a most respectful and skilled manner, to nine Latino students who dropped out of school. Their dreams were shattered as they encountered educators and school systems that were unprepared at best or unwilling at worst to address their needs. This book is invaluable for teachers and administrators who work with Latino students.” — Gisela Ernst-Slavit, Washington State University

“The Latino population will continue to grow at a record pace, and we must do something to address the dropout problem. This book provides concrete and practical suggestions for schools to consider implementing.” — Janet López, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill