Page 6 - Diversity Initiative

Faculty Support

Addressing Drop-Out Rates
for Latina/o Students

Dropout rates and underperformance of Latina/o students are

serious issues for the Rochester City School District. Assistant
Professors Donna Harris and Judy Marquez Kiyama, working in
partnership with the Ibero-American Action League, were given
unprecedented access to data and individuals from the school
district and local community. Te professors held focus groups in
English and Spanish with more than 130 students, parents and
guardians. In addition, Harris and Kiyama analyzed data on academic

progress, triggers, and barriers for students.

Teir fndings showed that cultures of violence, both in and out of
school, and limited bilingual course oferings contribute to high
dropout rates. In addition, cultural insensitivities and a lack of strong
advocates were signifcant barriers to student progress. Community and
school-based programs were found to be signifcant sources of support
for students and assisted with helping students persevere in school.

Harris and Kiyama presented their fndings in a series of community
and school presentations, in close partnership with school and
Donna Harris and Judy Marquez Kiyama Ibero-American Action League staf. Tat partnership, they said,
Assistant Professors,Warner School of Education was critical to the success of the project.

If were really going to be committed to college- and career-readiness,
we need to ensure that adequate resources and rigorous educational
opportunities are evenly distributed, Harris said.

Timeline

1986 Susan B. Anthony Center, now the 1992 Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalau-
Susan B. Anthony Institute for reate Achievement Program
Gender & Womens Studies; established to increase number
major and minor in womens of low-income, frst generation,
studies established. and underrepresented minority
college students. completing
1987 Spanish and Latino Students doctoral degrees.
Association formed.