Latino Parents' Perceptions of the Role of Schools in College Readiness

Abstract

This study examines data from focus groups conducted with Spanish-speaking Latino parents to gauge their perceptions of the role of schools in Latino students' college readiness. Findings indicate that parents perceive schools to be equal partners in this effort, identifying schools as sources of college information and opportunities. However, parents also described how schools stifle Latino students' college readiness by (a) not providing sufficient up-to-date college information; and (b) inequitably and inconsistently disseminating college information, opportunities, and support. Such findings are vital to consider given the rapidly growing Latino student population nationwide (Winning the Future, 2011).

Keywords:

• Latino
• parents
• schools
• college readiness