Case Study on "Hispanic Education"

Case Study 8 pages (2489 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

steady increase in the Hispanic population in the United States. As a result of this increase the American school system has had to adapt its curricula to meet the needs of students that speak little or no English. The purpose of this investigation is to explore Hispanic education through the utilization of a case study. The investigation will encompass several issues including the issues that Hispanic students face and the services provided to them in the United States school system as a whole and in elementary schools in Alabama specifically. The research will also focus on teaching strategies. Let us begin the discussion by providing the definition of a case study.

Literature Review case study can be defined in many different ways. According to one definition it is a "A written or recorded, detailed analysis of some targeted stress factor(s), for the purpose of noting success or failure to used as a benchmark for education, research, and/or planning (Curriculum Repository Glossary)." Case studies are essential for garnering a greater understanding of a subject. For the purposes of this discussion a cumulative case study will be developed. Now that we have a greater understanding of what a case study is let us focus on the treatment of Hispanic students in American Schools.

Issues and Programs for Hispanic students in American Schools

As it relates to the issues and services provided to Hispanic students in elementary school in the United States as a whole, there are some serious challenges that the American school system faces. One of the most obvious and significant is cultural differences. At the elementary school level overcoming these differences is essential so that student can have successful academic careers. According to an article entitled "The First Challenge: Cultural Shock" the manner in which students and teachers in American schools treat one another can be outside the cultural norms for those with a Hispanic background. For instance, the article asserts that in most schools in other countries rules are stricter and school is a much more formal place when compared to American schools ("The First Challenge: Cultural Shock"). As a result of these differences Hispanic students at the elementary level who have attended school in their native country may find it difficult to adjust to school in America.

Other cultural differences have to do with the assertion of independence. The article explains that Americans tend to be more independent than people from other countries and Americans expect for the people around them to be independent ("The First Challenge: Cultural Shock"). This means that the feelings of others may not be considered ("The First Challenge: Cultural Shock").

In addition an article entitled the Acquisition of English as a Second Language asserts that there are issues that can come about as a result of educators not understanding how language is acquired. The article explains that there are two main misconceptions that educators tend to have as it relates to language acquisition in Children (Cummins). The first of which is that there are inferences drawn concerning the ability of children to think logically based on their familiarity with Standard English (Cummins). The second misconception is that second language students that speak fluent English have mastered all aspect of English proficiency (Cummins). Both of these misconceptions have an impact upon the type of attention that Hispanic children receive at the elementary level.

As it relates more specifically to the issues and services available to Hispanic students in American elementary schools, there are many issues that these students face and there are also many programs available. As it relates to the United States as a whole many schools have made many adjustments to attempt to meet the needs of Spanish speaking students and to assists them in gaining English proficiency.

However the issue of bilingual education has always been a controversial subject. According to an article found in the Nation

The national debate over the effectiveness of bilingual education vs. English-language immersion has continued nonstop since the sixties, when bilingual instruction was widely introduced in the public schools. Although there are thousands of evaluations of specific programs, a recent National Research Council report criticizes many as partisan and almost all of them as worthless. There is still no solid answer to the question: Does bilingual education help or hurt limited-English-speaking youngsters? Although the issue is typically framed in the polite language of pedagogy, bilingualism has been politicized almost beyond redemption. Antagonists see bilingual education as identity politics in pedagogical drag, while multiculturalists decry the "hegemonic" idea of assimilation that they equate with English-immersion courses (Kirp, p.27).

Although the issue of how to educate Spanish speaking students within the American school system has been a polarizing issue, many school districts with large Hispanic populations have adapted well and are attempting new and innovative ways of ensuring that student become proficient in English while not totally abandoning their native tongue.

Indeed bilingual education is a program that many American schools have embraced as a way of assisting students. Bilingual education programs in the United States came about as a result of the Bilingual Education Act of 1968. This act asserted among other things that students should be taught in their native language for what was called a "transitional year" while they were becoming proficient in English (Duignan). According to an article found in Phi Delta Kappan there is no consensus on the effectiveness of bilingual programs in the nation's schools. The article asserts that on the one hand many argue that students that are taught in their native language while transitioning into English proficiency are more likely to do better in school in the years to come (Rothstein). On the other hand the author points out that rapid English immersion is more effective in ensuring that students have a successful academic career (Rothstein).

Issues and Programs for Hispanic students in Alabama Schools

Within the Alabama school system there exist ESL programs in which teachers are trained how to assist students in gaining English proficiency. According to a report published by the University of Alabama, the state college has received grants from the federal government so that it can train more teachers to meet the needs of ESL students (UAB Wins $389,000 in Grants to Help Teachers Educate Non-English Speaking Children). The program is also designed to make teachers more aware of cultural differences. The article also reports that the state of Alabama is committed to ensuring that all students receive equal access to education (UAB Wins $389,000 in Grants to Help Teachers Educate Non-English Speaking Children).

Issues and services provided to Hispanic students in elementary school in the Hoover Alabama system

Hoover, Alabama is a city that has a high percentage of ESL students and as such there has been a period of adjustment for schools in the city that are now being faced with an influx of Hispanic students. The city has ESL programs in place in schools to assist Hispanic students in gaining English proficiency.

In addition the city has also provided Hispanic students with additional services including tutoring which has been aimed at encouraging Hispanics students to stay away from drugs and crime. "In addition to academic tutoring and drug abuse and violence prevention education, the program offers activities that enhance each child's health and well-being including dance and movement lessons and educational field trips. The middle school students also are taught job skills such as completing applications, keeping a list of references and wearing proper attire ("Riley Awards Grant to Help Hispanic Students in Hoover Avoid Drug Use and Violence").

What teachers need to ensure Hispanic students in the elementary classrooms are having a positive experience?

Although the aforementioned issues that have been discussed are challenging, there are some things that teachers can do to ensure that students have positive experiences. The first thing that a teacher can do is to learn about some of the differences that may exist. According to an article entitled "Making Advanced Preparations" one of the most significant challenges will be social and not linguistic. As such Teachers should understand that culture shock can occur and they should know the symptoms of such shock which include anxiety, fatigue and depression ("The First Challenge: Cultural Shock"). Teachers need to know when students are becoming overwhelmed by their surroundings and find ways to combat these feelings. Teachers may also want to consult with parents as it relates to helping them to adjust. For instance, teachers may suggest that parents find other Hispanic families that are adjusting to life in America, so that they have a stronger support system ("The First Challenge: Cultural Shock").

In addition, the article asserts that teachers need to be patient with students. This is particularly true as it relates to behavioral issues. The article points out that these behavioral problems may come as a result of culture misunderstandings. When such issues arise teachers should try to seek help from staff members that are also Spanish speakers so that this divide can be bridged… READ MORE

How to Reference "Hispanic Education" Case Study in a Bibliography

Related Papers:

Secondary General Education Case Study

Secondary General Education Case Study

I teach Algebra I in a high school in a small district where the student demographics are 76% Hispanic, 18% Anglo, 5% African-American and 4%… read more

Case Study 4 pages (1012 words) Sources: 5 Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

Traditional Teachers vs. Alternative Trained Case Study

Alternative Trained Teachers vs. Traditional Trained Teachers

High attrition and low retention are serious problems that limit the number of teachers. One third of all teachers leave the field during… read more

Case Study 4 pages (1872 words) Sources: 10 Style: APA Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

Safety's Sake: ASchool Essay

Safety's Sake: A Case Study of School Security

Efforts and Their Impact on Education Reform

Higher Education

In this article, the seven single sex schools of Black and Latino males… read more

Essay 8 pages (2487 words) Sources: 1+ Style: APA Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

Education for Hispanic Students in the Elementary Schools of Alabama Term Paper

Education for Hispanic Students in the Elementary

schools of alabama & the U.S.

CASE STUDY DEFINED

Case studies are conducted by many professionals throughout the world and specifically by academic… read more

Term Paper 6 pages (1774 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

Overrepresentation of African Americans and Hispanics in Special Education Research Proposal

Overrepresentation of African-Americans and Hispanics in special education

Abridged Literature review

The paper that follows will look at the topical issue of overrepresentation of African-Americans and Hispanics in Special education.… read more

Research Proposal 6 pages (2091 words) Sources: 16 Topic: Education / Teaching / Learning

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>