Drawing on both extensive demographic data and compelling case studies, this book reveals the depths of the educational crisis looming for Latino students, the nation's largest and most rapidly growing minority group.

This critical anthology showcases an interdisciplinary forum of scholars sharing a common interest in the analysis, discussion, critique, and dissemination of educational issues impacting Latinos. Drawing on the best of the past 20 years of the Journal of Latinos and Education, the collection highlights work that has been seminal in addressing complex educational issues affecting and influencing the growing Latina and Latino population. Chapters discuss the production and application of wisdom and knowledge to real-world problems while engaging and collaborating with the interests of key stakeholders in other sectors outside the "traditional" academy. Organized thematically around issues related to policy, research, practice, and creative and literary works, the collection is sure to extend and encourage novel ways of thinking about the ongoing and emerging questions around the unifying thread of Latinos and education.

This critical case study exposes the educational realities of Latinos in K-12 public schools in the Western United States from the students’ own perspectives. Issues that are often over simplified and commonly misunderstood are brought to life. Their accounts are then compared with the viewpoints of a range of K-12 teachers on matters of community, learning, race, culture, and school politics.

Despite their numbers, Latinos continue to lack full and equal participation in all facets of American life, including education. This book provides a critical discussion of the role that select K–12 educational policies have and continue to play in failing Latino students. The author draws upon institutional, national, and statewide data sets, as well as interviews among students, teachers, and college administrators, to explore the role that public policies play in educating Latino students. The book concludes with specific recommendations that aim to raise achievement, college transition rates, and success among Latino students across the preschool through college continuum. Chapters cover high dropout rates, access to college-preparation resources, testing and accountability, financial aid, the Dream Act, and affirmative action.