Boston, MA – Latinos for Education released their Latino Action Agenda during a virtual webinar that presented policy recommendations, key priority areas and solutions to dismantle the inequities faced by Latino students, families and educators in the nation’s education system. Amanda Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Latinos for Education, was joined by Melody Gonzales, Executive Director of the White House Hispanic Initiative, and other Latina education leaders to discuss the most pressing issues impacting Latino students and the innovative work being done to tackle these challenges.
“The success of Latino students is vital to the success of our nation’s economy, workforce and so much more, thus it is critical to ensure Latino students have equal access to opportunity and to succeed,” said Amanda Fernandez. “With the support of Latino educators, school leaders and families, we created an Action Agenda that provides real, concrete solutions for legislators to fundamentally tackle the challenges that Latino students face all along the education pipeline, beginning with early childhood education, through elementary, middle and high school; and in college.”
Latinos will soon represent 1 in every 3 students in public schools, yet they face unique challenges that deny many the same opportunities as other students, including less access to high-quality early childhood education programs, less access to early college and advanced placement courses, and less access to an affordable college education. The Latino Action Agenda prioritizes solutions to address challenges all along the continuum and offers recommendations that could: increase the number of Latino teachers, doubles the Pell Grant, expands the availability of dual-enrollment courses, and provides all Latino students with access to an early childhood education program, especially programs that embrace bilingual education.
“We need to prevent the achievement gap that happens between Latino children and other groups by giving them access to quality, bilingual programs as early as possible. Latinos and bilingual children in general were particularly impacted by learning loss due to the pandemic, so now more than ever, they need access to quality Early Learning to give them the best start in life, ” said Patricia Lozano, Executive Director of Early Edge California.
Dr. Almi Abeyta, Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools added: “We know that students perform better when they see themselves represented in their teachers and administrators. It creates a sense of belonging for them and connection. And, we know that relationships matter when it comes to academic performance. Thus, representation matters.”
To learn more about the Latino Action Agenda, please visit: https://www.latinosforeducation.org/latino-action-agenda/
To watch the conversation with Latina education leaders on the Latino Action Agenda, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/oBaMj_qFnZM?feature=share.
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About Latinos for Education:
Latinos for Education is a national education non-profit organization focused on developing, placing, and connecting essential Latino talent in the education sector. The organization is mobilizing a network of skilled education leaders to ensure the voice of students and families is not only heard but factored into decision-making in schools, communities, and education institutions throughout the U.S. The organization also ensures Latino education professionals have access to a nationwide network of peers as well as career and professional development opportunities across the country through the members-only EdCentro network. For more information visit: https://www.latinosforeducation.org.
Media Relations Contact:
Jayla Shannon
jshannon@rabengroup.com
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