Written by Claudia Soruco
What we hear over and over again is the lack of academic success and the low achievement of Hispanic children in the U.S. But seriously, how wouldn’t we know this, when the low scores in math, reading, and writing in national and standardized tests make it so evident? Or how can we possibly ignore this fact, if the TV and social media are responsible for reminding us daily? 
We all also know the high dropout rate among Latino students. Then, not surprisingly, we make predictions about the future of these kids, which is not far from drugs, teen pregnancies and/or jail. What else could we think of somebody who didn’t even graduate from high school, right?
The statistics and numbers of the low achievement and high dropouts among Hispanic students are well known and discussed. So let’s put them aside for a moment and talk about some facts a little more unnoticeable.
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Although, there is a widespread belief that the main reason of these children low-achievement is their lack of proficiency in the English Language, the truth is that the “moving reason” constitutes the number one reason why Latino students leave school earlier. Since the majority of them don’t own a house, they are moving from home to home and changing schools. Why do they move so much? They are constantly in search of better opportunities for their families. This could be financial advantages or immigration issues.
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It is not because Latino children and families hold low educational aspirations that they present low achievement in school, but the major cause of this “unsuccessful performance” is called “Cultural mismatch.” I don’t believe learning is an easy task for these young learners when they live technically in “two worlds” They have the schools asking to meet some expectations that are not compatible which the ones they have at home. On the other hand, they have their parents trying hard to preserve their own values, beliefs, traditions, and even language. Children are confused because of this cultural gap and the inexplicit and contradictory set of expectations that come from it. This results in parents unmotivated to get involved in school activities since they don’t feel valued, which leads to the misconception by teachers that the parent’s lack of participation in school activities is related to their lack of appreciation of education.
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Despite the fact that the 75% of Hispanic children in the USA are bilingual (English and Spanish), the 25% that are not tend to be misplaced in special education classrooms. Instead of acknowledging the presence of an ill system that fails to respond the academic needs of Hispanic children, it is easier to blame these kids for the unwanted results. It is easier to think that these children have learning problems than to recognize the absence of high qualify teachers, high expectations towards these students, and proper resources to work with diverse children. By placing them into special educational services, the school is causing Hispanic children to stop trying hard.
The high qualifications of the teachers doesn’t only include knowledge of instructional strategies about how to better teach these children, but it should involve knowing the cultural background of each student. That is, knowing that not all Hispanic children are Mexicans and not all of the Latino children come from violent and alcoholic families. Taking the time and interest to know that there is a big difference between being a Hispanic from Mexico than a Hispanic from Colombia or Peru simple because every Hispanic-speaking country and people present their own features, history, geographic characteristics, learning approach, etc. A high-qualified teacher doesn’t try to paint every Hispanic child with the same brush.
At the end, someone’s success is not tied to his or her racial or cultural background, but to personal factors. Achieving is a matter of perseverance, effort, confidence, braveness, and determination. It is a burning desire to wake up every day and do better than the day before. Having high achievement is having the courage to challenge the stereotyped expectations people have placed upon you. It is saying, “I am not that untalented person than you think I am, and I will show you” Succeeding is a personal decision.
With Love,
Your Latina 3-time Valedictorian friend J
Claudia Soruco
