Clearly, our nation needs many more students to attend college and graduate, but several things are getting in the way, particularly students who are minority or economically disadvantaged. Among those who do get in, many are unable to finish. We need our children to be successful in school. We need them to graduate and have options to either attend college or join the workforce.
Get information about education policy related to access to college.
Community Groups and Parents Survey Peers about Graduation Policy The Equal Voice-Rio Grande Valley Network, which includes Comunitario PTA members, surveyed more than 1,600 parents about their knowledge about Texas’ curriculum tracking policies and new graduation requirements. They learned that three out of four parents of teens in the Texas Rio Grande Valley have not received info about the new tracking policies and graduation plans. Few parents across 24 school districts and 30 cities in the Rio Grande Valley had received information from their children’s schools. IDRA analyzed the survey data and developed a report with the survey’s key findings, implications, and recommended next action steps for communities. See the bilingual infographic and the report as a PDF or on Slideshare.
RGV Equal Voice Network Education Working Group Hosts Second Annual Mesa Comunitaria Community groups, parents and students were joined by school superintendents from across the Rio Grande Valley to discuss the results of the Equal Voice RGV HB5 Community Survey. The community encouraged superintendents to set the standard graduation plan for students across the RGV to be one providing students with courses preparing them and providing them with the opportunity to be college ready. Sofía Bahena, Ed.D., shares key take-aways that point to the critical role of authentic family engagement and community partnership with schools.
Tracking, Endorsements and Differentiated Diplomas – When ‘Different’ Really is Less
IDRA released a new policy note in April 2013 that presents an overview of the failure of tracking in schools and what tracking looks like in Texas. Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, IDRA President & CEO stated: “A vital state must have educational parity for all students and not parcel out one set of opportunities for some and minimal expectations for others… Policymakers and schools should not make pre-college decisions on behalf of students or track them into low-level courses that limit career options. It’s time for Texas to step up, not step back.”
IDRA President Salutes Move Toward College-Going Culture in San Antonio
IDRA President Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel salutes San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, for his “smart city” initiatives and investments in creating a college-going culture, citywide. IDRA is working to expand higher education access and completion through multiple strategies: strengthening preK-12 education; fostering partnerships among school, family, business, youth and community leaders to expand equity, college access and success; and providing key materials and data to support this work
IDRA publications on college preparation for all students
“From the Cradle to College”
By Leticia Rodríguez, Ed.M. IDRA Newsletter (San Antonio, Texas: Intercultural Development Research Association, September 2008)
“Ten Percent Plan in Texas – IDRA Releases Policy Brief”
By María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, Ph.D., Albert Cortez, Ph.D., and Josie D. Cortez, M.A. IDRA Newsletter (San Antonio, Texas: Intercultural Development Research Association, June-July 2007)
“Access At Risk – The Michigan Case”
By Rosana G. Rodríguez, Ph.D., and Albert Cortez, Ph.D. IDRA Newsletter (San Antonio, Texas: Intercultural Development Research Association, August 2003)