Chapter 6: Institutional Responsiveness to The Increasing Latina / O Student Population: An Educational Leadership Imperative

This chapter explores the impact of changing student demographics in public education with a focus on Latina / os. The authors present a brief literature review and sample research findings to outline the need for greater institutional responsiveness toward the Latina / o student population. Key issues that emerge from the pertinent literature include the historical context of the “undereducated” status of Latina / os in the United States, the Latina / o population’s agency in overcoming odds to achieve educational attainment, and how the presence of “leaks” in the Latina / o educational pipeline may reveal areas in need of institutional responsiveness. The sample research findings provide insights regarding the sources of knowledge and cultural practices that Latina / o parents and educators employ on behalf of their children and/ or students to advance greater educational access and mobility. The chapter closes by posing prompts for consideration by campus constituents in formulating approaches to institutional responsiveness toward Latina / os as an educational leadership imperative.