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We as parents, grandparents, caregivers, aunts, godmothers, etc. of our children are responsible for all sorts of education for our kids. We also know that children pay attention perhaps more closely to what we do than what we say. Perhaps precisely because of this, it is up to us to have conversations with the youth …

As we talk about education and its effect on our children, we also need to talk about the context of the educational environment. What is subject matter being taught and how are our communities being portrayed? While we’ve alluded to this in prior posts, I want the message to be crystal clear. If a child …

(Note from Aurelia:  The last two posts have been geared toward parents.  But here’s what you — and everyone! — can do for those kids whose parents can’t implement the prior suggestions.  There’s still hope!) One of the beautiful things about mentoring our youth and issuing a national call to action to encourage many more …

PART II: INVOLVEMENT WITH YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION AT HOME What are some proven strategies that individual parents can engage in for their children’s educational success? Thankfully, there are plenty that are supported by research. A common thread among them is LITERACY. Research strongly shows that a child who can read competently will most likely succeed …

PART I: GETTING INVOLVED AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL In my 34-year career as a public school teacher and administrator, I personally witnessed the educational success of children who defied the odds, who not only basked in strong academic achievement while in school, but who went on to become successful adults as well. I’m talking about …

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico to a family of 10 — I have six older brothers and a younger sister. My family moved to the United States when I was 8 years old after losing our home to a fire. My mom’s courage and desire for a better future for my siblings and …

[Note: This article was based on an interview with early childhood development expert, Leticia C. Lara, whose bio is below.] Would you build a highway system without a plan? Of course not! The plan of connecting roadways, preparing for future traffic flow and reflecting on how communities will intersect is crucial. This is an apt …

Before we finish this discussion of Latino art and culture (for now), I’d like to take a moment to consider some of the characterizations we see of Latinos in the mainstream media, and how these can be hurtful as well as helpful. I’m the first to praise a good Latino movie or TV show, or …

My parents always encouraged me in school. When I was young, my mom read to me and I was instilled with a love of reading which I carry to this day. I was fortunate to have teachers who for the most part encouraged me in school, and affirmed that I was “smart.” I was incredibly …

This month we’ll be talking about education. Let’s start with where we are now, as far as high school graduation and college enrollment. There is some good news, but there continue to be challenges. NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE A report* released in June of 2011 found the nation’s graduation rate has increased significantly, following …