The State of the State for Washington Latinos

This study investigates the cultural competency policies and practices of three Walla Walla public schools, identifies culturally competent practices, and suggests areas for improvement at each school and the district overall. The research was guided by our community partnership with the Bilingual Coordinator of the Walla Walla Public Schools (WWPS), Diana Erickson, and Latino Club [...]

This study examines the higher education aspirations and abilities, as well as outcomes, of young Latino children of immigrants. I aim to answer the following questions: How do various factors related to immigration affect Latino high school students’ personal aspirations and practical abilities to go on to higher education? What are the determining factors, with respect to [...]

Latinos are the most educationally disadvantaged group in America. The Latino student population, however, is not a homogenous group in which all perform equally. This study examines why some Latino students succeed academically while others do not. By examining the factors proven to increase educational achievement among Latino students, educational policymakers and practitioners can better [...]

This report examines approaches to reducing domestic violence against Latino youth in Washington State. Unique socio-economic, political, and cultural circumstances affecting Latinos perpetuate a high rate of domestic violence that increases with subsequent generations born in the United States. These factors also restrict Latinos’ access to resources, which impedes incident reporting. Domestic violence programs have [...]

My research focuses on Latino youth in the juvenile justice system. It addresses questions of why Latino youth are disproportionately represented in the juvenile system compared to their proportion in the general population. Specifically, this report examines how race and ethnicity impact case processing and how Latino youth receive differential treatment within the juvenile system. [...]

This project examines the impact of Head Start enrollment on Latino students in Washington State. Latino families are more likely to be living below the poverty line and to have the lowest level of education of any other group in the state. Their children enter school with undeveloped basic academic skills, which frustrates their progress [...]

The focus of this report is to examine what happens before young Latinas/os enter the juvenile justice system, specifically the social agents that encourage gang activity. As at the national level, young Latinas/os in Washington State are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system. This research looks at adolescent violence, specifically gang-related crime and its ties [...]