The State of the State for Washington Latinos

Going to Olympia Washington to speak to the Senators and Legislators of Washington Sate was EMPOWERING! I learned THREE things: Yes, our voices do matter. Yes, we can make a difference. And yes, it is CRITICAL for us to ENGAGE!

An area of great concern is providing quality education to close the achievement gap. Currently in the state of Washington There is a 26% high school graduation gap between Hispanics and Whites. I was excited to learn that the state requested and now has full achievement gap reports for certain minorities and specific recommendations on how to close the gap: Hispanics, African American, Asian American, Pacific Islanders etc. (SB-5973 Addressing the achievement gap).

Recommendations range from providing better teacher training, challenging courses, and even material access; however, little in regards to the school environment is present. In light of the school violence—bullying, harassment, gun-shooting etc—creating a welcoming, respectful, and comfortable school is crucial to successfully closing the achievement gap.

As I spoke to the Governors Gregoire Executive Policy Advisor who focuses on Education I was inform of the increase efforts for school-community programs–programs that bridge the in classroom learning with the real world. This not only increases the student’s involvement in the school but also outside the school, it increases their peer and adult network, as well as allows them to feel a sense of purpose and practicality in their life. Although great, more needs to be done.

I found in Walla Walla High School that RACE MATTERS. We need policies that address the racial inequalities because they are present in schools. Latinos students experience a higher degree of racial jokes and a higher degree of negative stereotype assumptions based on their skin color. They also not only have poorer teacher-student relationships, but a less extensive peer and adult networks as well which limits their access to resources and information in regards to obtaining higher education. Although these experiences are real, students feel hopeless and disempowered.

Wa-Hi has recently implemented a Civility Initiative in all of their primary and secondary schools. THIS IS GREAT!! We need more civility programs that address the violence occurring in schools and that actively focus on enhancing the environment. Yet, race must be actively incorporated in order to be address. Every child deserves the opportunity for a higher education. Every child deserves to feel welcome, comfortable, and respected when they are in school in order to increase their academic performance. I strongly encourage schools and the state to consider civility programs as a means to close the achievement gap.

Parents, students, community members, and organizations, lets start recognizing the importance of (1) school environment (2) race and (3) our ability to advocate change.