Exploring the Educational Paths of Mexicanas: Testimonios of Academic Success

<p>In 2014, Latina/o children comprise over 50% of the California K-12 student population. The recently changing demographics are not problematic; rather, the problems that inspired this study include a legacy of inadequate education (under-education) and the lack of support of Latina/o students throughout the P-20 educational system (preschool through graduate school). This qualitative study explores the experiences of nine Mexican American women who share at least four past experiences in common: 1) immigration to the United States from México, 2) experience learning English as a new language, 3) attainment of a baccalaureate degree, and 4) enrollment in a post-baccalaureate (graduate school) program. Data was gathered through individual narrative testimonios of personal and academic experiences. Data collection also included a focus group discussion (plática). Participants shared and reflected on the ways in which their families, individual educators, student support programs, personal characteristics, and experiential/lived experiences contributed to their academic success. To honor the participants' lived experiences, complete testimonios are included. The findings of this study parallel and build on Yosso's (2005) model of community cultural wealth, including aspirational, familial, and resistant forms of community cultural capital. The participants make eleven recommendations for current and future educators.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

International and Multicultural Education

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• Garcia, Luz Navarrette

Contributors dc:contributor

• Emma Fuentes
• Susan Katz
• Sarah Capitelli

• Academic Success
• Testimonio
• Education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/diss/105

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:diss-1095