The Politics of Latino Education

Education is one of the most important public policy issues facing Latinos in the United States today, but the political dynamics behind Latino school achievement and failure are often misunderstood—and at times, overlooked altogether. In twelve revealing essays, The Politics of Latino Education brings together 24 accomplished and influential voices to examine the political factors that shape the Latino educational experience. With a breadth of expertise no other volume can match, this resource:

• Provides an authoritative introduction to the U.S. education policy process, as well as a specific survey of how that process relates to Latinos.
• Covers a wide range of topics important to improving education for Latinos, including standardized testing, immigration, bilingual education, and the Latino education “pipeline.”
• Incorporates a wealth of current statistical data, as well as qualitative research and firsthand experiences to show how policy decisions actually play out in real classrooms.
• Brings together experts with a wide range of perspectives in the fields of political science, public administration, and education.

David L. Leal is an associate professor of government at The University of Texas at Austin. Kenneth J. Meier is the Charles H. Gregory Chair in Liberal Arts and distinguished professor of political science at Texas A&M University.

“This is a must read for anyone interested in the (increasingly Latino) future of American education.”
—Wilbur C. Rich, Wellesley College

“Latinos and politics each get short shrift in the mainstream literature on education, and the intersection between the two is shamefully under-researched. This volume lays a broad and uniquely empirical foundation for filling that gap.”
—Jeffrey R. Henig, professor, Teachers College, Columbia University, co-author of The Color of School Reform: Race, Politics, and the Challenge of Urban Education