Multiple Perspectives on the Schooling of Mexican Indigenous Students in the United States

• In Event: Mexican-American Students and the Process of Social Action

Abstract

Mexican indigenous families have long been part of the U.S., but seem to have become visible to educators only recently. Consequently, there is research with adults regarding their migration and living circumstances, but few studies on the educational context of their children. This study provides an examination of the schooling of Mexican indigenous students through an analysis of the experiences of a wide range of families, school personnel, and community members. Results showed that though students brought a wealth of resources to schools, such as collaboration skills, potential trilingualism, community organization, and parent support for education, they and their teachers faced formidable challenges, including wide-spread racism in communities and classrooms, uncertainty regarding the best language of instruction, and low expectations.

Authors

• Nadeen T. Ruiz, California State University - Sacramento

• Manuel Barajas, California State University - Sacramento