In this time of reflection and preparation for the new year, I have identified seven policy challenges and opportunities for improving Latino student success. I believe they are challenges to our perspectives on higher education as well as opportunities to reconsider the lens with which we examine higher education today.
1. Heterogeneity – The Latino population is diverse. Latinos represent more than 20 countries of origin, a wide spectrum of immigration histories (from Latinos who arrived recently to those who have been here for generations) and language abilities. While in public policy we tend to aggregate student profiles in order to address issues that impact the most students, the heterogeneity of Latino students challenges public policy to be more inclusive.
2. Tradition – Higher education policy predominately focuses on traditional students attending traditional institutions in traditional pathways. Yet this policy focus serves a small percentage of the many students in college today. As the numbers of students who enroll at community colleges, enroll part-time, return to college as adults and enroll in more than one college concurrently grows, higher education policymakers will be challenged to also serve the growing nontraditional students in higher education with effective policies.
3. Limited focus – Many policymakers focus their energy on ensuring access to the flagship institutions of higher education in their states. However, these institutions only enroll a small percentage of students enrolled in higher education in their states, especially Latino students. For example, while the majority of students in California are enrolled in community colleges and the California State University system, a lot of political attention is focused on strengthening the flagship institutions in the University of California system. If we are to improve student success, a more expansive focus in policy is needed that addresses the strengths and needs of students in less selective institutions as well.
