Habla con ellos -- Talk to them: Latinas/os, achievement, and the middle grades

     As of 2007, Latinos made up 15% of the total U.S. population, with about one-third self- identifying as Mexican.  The article Habla con ellos---Talk to them, in The Middle School Journal states the importance of culture, and the role it plays in middle school.  The emphasis must be to “develop our collective dispositions,” that is our attitudes about language and cultural differences which can play a major role in our youth’s achievement.  This is especially true in communities where culturally and linguistically diverse students are non-dominant. 

       Furthermore, educators of early adolescents are in a position to counter any negative stereotypes about Latinos which can be harmful.  Immigrant adolescents are especially vulnerable to attacks on their self-worth.  As the Association for Middle Level Education has stated, “Academic success and personal growth increase markedly when you adolescents’ affective needs are met.  Each student must have one adult to support that student’s academic and personal development.” 

     As the title of this article states, one of the best ways for educators to reach their students is by simply talking to them; finding their interests; talking about the similarities and differences of the cultures; and encouraging conversation among all students to openly discuss what they have in common.  Asking questions such as, "What do you like doing?" and "What are you good at?" might be  a good place to start.  The important thing is that educators make time for this type of dialogue in their quest to find out what motivates Latino students and how to engage immigrant parents.      

Fitchett, P.G., Jones,J.P., Kissau, S., Salas, S., (2013) Habla con ellos—Talk to them: Latina/os,

       achievement, and the middle grades. Middle School Journal. Vol 45. pp18-23