- Spanish is the second most common language in the United States
According to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), in 2013 Spanish was the predominant language spoken by both immigrant and U.S.-born Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. 37,459,000 people speak Spanish in the United States. 16,482,000 are limited English proficient.
- Hispanic dropout rate: Double the white dropout rate
When I, Helen Eby, owner of Gaucha Translations, spoke with local librarians as I researched the state of Spanish literature in my local libraries, I found that parents enjoy reading Spanish versions of the English books students check out. I also researched the statistics of immigrants of Mexican origin and found that more than half of the first-generation immigrants to the US of Mexican origin in 2007 had completed at least ninth grade. As I have interacted with immigrants in a program for migrant workers, I have observed that they have generally taken advantage of all the educational opportunities that were available to them. They are resourceful life-long learners.
3. If quality materials are available in Spanish…
- The resoures will be very valuable for states which, like Oregon, have adopted the Seal of Biliteracy.
- More dated scientific materials in Spanish will inspirie and provide more access to Latino-Hispanic students interested in STEM fields.
- Parents will support their students with their homework, which will lead to lower droput rates.
