College as a Mental Construct: Contrasting the Cognitive Frames of Latino Parents and Policy Makers

• In Event: 29.090 - Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: 29.090-8 - Policy Studies of the Expansion of Access to College

Abstract

Although Latinos are the fastest growing population in California, their attainment of bachelor’s degrees is not keeping pace with their rapidly increasing numbers. In the literature, little attention has been given to mental structures, or cognitive frames, that Latino parents and policymakers have regarding college. People use cognitive frames to organize and understand experience. My study examined how Latino parents and policymakers frame the value and purpose of college, who belongs there, and why there is a college access problem. Preliminary findings showed that immigrant and native-born Latino parents had different understandings about how race affected college access. Most Latino parents saw college as a place for the wealthy. My study used qualitative methods, including focus groups and semi-structured interviews.

Author

• Wendy Y. Perez, Consultant Annenberg Institute for School Reform