Comments on: Hispanic Parents and Children Have Options Too.

By: Carolina

Carolina — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:28:28 +0000

Thank you for this blog post, Dr. Flores. I am Latina myself and I am a tutor for lower class Latino kids and there are times where it feels hopeless. So many Latino parents seem to be so apathetic about their childrens’ education. I have felt such disappointment, sadness, anger and resentment. I tell them in Spanish that a child that learns no English and doesn’t value being well-educated in this country will become a second class citizen. It sounds harsh, but I don’t know what else to say.

By: Greg

Greg — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:36:48 +0000

I just read Randy Ruiz’s article “Open your minds, America” (great article) which led me to the web site redbrownandblue.com. I then read your article about Hispanic parents having choices to send their kids to a variety of schools.

It’s a wonderful thing to maintain ones ethnic roots, but doing so to the level where children can’t speak English when entering grade school is unfortunate, mostly for the children. As Americans we should all embrace our ethnic roots but not to the detriment of our children.

Like it or not, parents must take more responsibility in bringing up their children and doing the right thing for them, even it that means learning a new language themselves. Bilingual education may ultimately reduce the dropout rate but I’m afraid not to the extent that you hope for.

By: Lia

Lia — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:50:41 +0000

Dr. Flores,

I am touched by your heart and concern for our children who have language barriers. But even those with language barriers are not alone. We must do something about this poor education system to help our students succeed.

By: rafael

rafael — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:47:25 +0000

I came to this country at 4 and back then we had no ESL programs (Thank goodness). I speak English very well and with no accent. I getting the feeling you feel sorry for yourself. Take responsibility for yourself and your children. Latino kids are falling behind because they don’t get the help at home! Parents need to learn the langue and help there children. While my parents did not know the langue they did ensure I did my homework every day and even tried to help me with spelling (great way for parents to learn english). Why don’t you set up study groups for the kids, that would be one way to help.

By: Xavier

Xavier — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:45:01 +0000

Dr. Flores, I was touched by your story. I wish more people would share such personal insights coupled with professional observations when explaining the positions for which they so passionately advocate. Gracias.

By: Jesus

Jesus — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:26:53 +0000

I am one more Latino concerned with the education of our children. I agree completely with the article with the exception of the boycott. Our children are falling behind in every field and the only reasonable way of having our voices heard is for them to miss school? We need real solutions! We need to begin by educating the parents of these kids and convince them that not having an education is not an option anymore. We need to get them involved in their children’s lives and education more than ever and tell them there is an option for them. But the option is not to have their kids miss school one more day to have their voices heard. Their option is to take a stand and get involved! We have enough absenteeism as it is already.

By: Leticia

Leticia — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:14:54 +0000

I stumbled across this article from a CNN story written by Rudy Ruiz. Thank you for your concern regarding these matters. I find myself hopeless at times thinking that no one cares about the future of our society should it continue in this path. There were no comments to this story when I read it, but know that at least one person out there feels the same about your concern. Unfortunately I do not have children of my own but I will gladly disseminate your message to my contact list… whether they like it or not.

Paz a usted.