Relationships Between Teacher and Student Ethnicity in Texas Elementary Schools: An 11-Year Analysis

• In Event: Roundtable Session 116
  In Roundtable Session: Leadership, Identity, and Culture

Abstract

Relationships between teacher ethnicity and student ethnicity in Texas public elementary schools were investigated. Data from all public elementary schools in Texas were gathered for the school years 1999-2000 through 2009-2010 using the Academic Excellence Indicator System. Statistically significant, positive relationships, with large effect sizes, were yielded between teacher ethnic diversity (i.e., Black, Hispanic, and White) and student ethnic diversity (i.e., Black, Hispanic, and White) respectively in Texas elementary schools. As more Hispanic students were enrolled in an elementary school, the tendency was present for more Hispanic teachers to be employed at that school. The same result was yielded for Black and for White teachers and students. Implications of these findings are provided.

Authors

• Jamie A. Bone, Conroe Independent School District

• John R. Slate, Sam Houston State University

• Cynthia Martinez-Garcia, Sam Houston State University