Listening to Latinas: Barriers for High School Graduation

Latinas are the most rapidly growing population of school-age youth, yet are at a heightened risk for high school dropout. This report investigates factors preventing on-track high school completion for these students. With the assistance of educators and administrators across the country, researchers surveyed 335 Latina high school students. They conducted follow-up interviews, focus groups, and surveys of school and access program staff members who worked with this population. The result — an informed depiction of the reasons Latina students may struggle — provides the basis for recommended educational policy changes.