"I Am Not a Failure": The Educational Experiences of Latina Continuation High School Students

• In Event: 64.079 - Racial, Ethnic, and Class Dimensions of School Climate

Abstract

California’s continuation schools aim to provide wraparound services, invidualized attention, and a renewed opportunity to students, yet a great number of them, mostly low-income Students of Color, do not graduate (Ruiz de Velasco et al., 2008). These findings contribute to the narrative that continuation schools are “dumping grounds” for “low-achieving” students (Kelly, 1993). However, this qualitative case study tells a counter-story and explores the experiences of 10 Latina continuation students. We draw on Rodriguez (2013) PUEDES framework to explore the strengths of a continuation school, and how Latina students engage with the resources provided. This study and the application of PUEDES can inform policy, practice, and research regarding continuation schools and how they can best support vulnerable populations.

Authors

• Edwin Hernandez, California State University, San Bernardino

• Johanna Ortez, California State University - San Bernardino