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Using Technology to Improve High School Graduation Rates for Hispanics?

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Jose Mas

In a world where innovation and technology shape the global economy, an educated workforce is the greatest asset. Being educated, along with having the right skills, is critically important for young workers to make an impact in a tough job market. Without having these skill and competencies, today’s in demand career fields in science, technology, and engineering are not obtainable.

Unfortunately, reading the news and coming across this article in the Huffington Post, I feel the situation needs to be addressed. According to the article, Hispanic students in Utah and most states across the US are dropping out in record numbers. The high school dropout rate was always too high for Hispanics and other minorities, but over the last decade, things have been getting much worse. Education Week reports that Hispanics have a graduation rate which lags 21% behind non-Hispanic whites. What is really alarming is that these numbers have increased 50% over the last decade!

The cities and urban centers with the highest percentage of Hispanics dropping out tend to be those most affected with socio-economic disparities and those having the highest amounts of racial segregation. New York, Los Angeles, Clarke County Nevada (Las Vegas), Chicago, and Miami round out the top 5 cities where the Hispanic dropout rate is the most profound.

According to the article, the Migration Policy Institute released a report which did have some slightly more promising news. Second generation Hispanics were more likely to graduate High School and attend higher education. At the same time, late entrants or those who are affected by factors such as legal status, interrupted education, or low English skills are the most likely to suffer high dropout rates.

Because technology is so important to our economy and the Hispanic demographic is growing so fast, we need to continually address these factors. Without a proper education and a High School diploma, students are more likely to enter the workforce at low wage jobs and jobs not using technology. This is not a recipe for fostering innovation and economic growth for the coming decades.

I feel that placing a greater emphasis on technology and using digital tools can not only better prepare students, but can engage them beyond the normal curriculum. A more engaged student is much less likely to drop out and be unprepared for the workforce. This will help Hispanics be better equipped to be part of growing fields and help the country to foster innovation. As the second largest demographic group and the largest minority, young Hispanics will be critical in advancing the economy and advancing innovation. But in order to accomplish this, we need to make sure education is both adequate and engaging.