Editor: I applaud and support what the school district of Sonoma Valley is doing in regard to the a-g program which aims to prepare all students for college, but at the same time I have concern with regards to how this would either benefit or hurt students, especially Latino students.
It is not a secret to anyone that the largest percent of high school dropouts are Latino. Also, it is not a secret that the majority of students who have been expelled are Latinos. In addition, the majority of Latino students are in special programs because they are falling behind.
At one of the orientation meetings for the a-g initiative held at El Verano School, a parent asked “what kind of support are we going to offer those students who are already having a difficult time in school now?” Furthermore, what kind of support are we going to offer those teachers who already have to deal with large class sizes, budgets cuts and students who are falling behind starting in elementary school?
What are we going do to help parents and students understand the concept of college readiness when the majority of Latino parents have never gone to college or have a high level of education?
At the most recent ELAC meeting, the principal of El Verano School brought Mauricio Gonzales, a counselor from Sacramento Community College to talk to parents about college readiness and ways to accomplish this goal. There were about fifty parents present and most of the parents had no idea how the educational system for high school graduation and college entrance works. In fact, there was a parent who mentioned that it was the first time that he actually understood how the system works.
I have always been in favor of raising the expectation for ALL our students especially Latinos. I feel that it is very important to give the necessary support to the teacher, parents and students through this process. If we fail to take into consideration the concerns of parents, teachers and students we may not get the results that we are hoping to achieve.
I thank you for your attention and time.
Mario Castillo
Parent at El Verano School and community activist
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