Latina/o/x Education in Chicago: Roots, Resistance, and Transformation

This collection explores the history of Mexican American and Puerto Rican education in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system, focusing on three themes: segregated and inferior schooling, changing purposes and meanings, and Latina/o/x resistance to neoliberal reforms. Contributors look at stories of student strength and resistance, oppressive systems, and criminalization, highlighting the ongoing struggle for educational equity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

This collection of essays, written by local experts, delves into the history of Mexican American and Puerto Rican education in the CPS system. The essays explore three key themes: the historical context of segregated and inferior schooling for Latina/o/x students, the evolving purposes and meanings of education for Latina/o/x students from the 1950s to the present, and the resistance against educational reforms rooted in neoliberalism. Contributors examine various aspects of educational significance, including stories of student strength and resistance, the oppressive systems imposed on Mexican American women, the criminalization of Puerto Ricans advocating for liberatory education, and other relevant topics.

Despite the persistence of harmful past practices, Latina/o/x communities and students continue to engage in transformative practices that shape new approaches to education. These practices hold the potential to reverberate not only in Chicago but nationwide, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.

The historical context of segregated and inferior schooling for Latina/o/x students is a central theme in the essays. The authors highlight the systemic barriers and discrimination that have hindered the educational opportunities of Latina/o/x students throughout history. They discuss the legacy of segregation, redlining, and limited access to resources, which have created an unequal playing field in education.

The changing purposes and meanings of education for Latina/o/x students are another critical aspect explored in the collection. The authors argue that education has evolved from a means of social control to a tool for empowerment and social mobility. They highlight the importance of providing culturally responsive and relevant education that addresses the unique needs and experiences of Latina/o/x students.

Latina/o/x resistance to educational reforms grounded in neoliberalism is a significant theme in the essays. The authors argue that neoliberal policies have perpetuated educational inequality and have failed to address the systemic issues facing Latina/o/x students. They discuss the impact of privatization, standardized testing, and the commodification of education on Latina/o/x communities and students.

Contributors to Latina/o/x Education in Chicago offer insightful perspectives on various topics of educational significance. They examine the experiences of Mexican American women, who have faced systemic barriers and discrimination in education and have been marginalized in the workforce. They also explore the criminalization of Puerto Ricans advocating for liberatory education, highlighting the disproportionate punishment and criminalization faced by Puerto Rican students for participating in protests and advocating for their rights.

Despite the challenges faced by Latina/o/x communities and students, the essays showcase the resilience and strength of these communities. The authors highlight the efforts of Latina/o/x educators, activists, and students who have worked tirelessly to advocate for educational equity and to create transformative change in the CPS system. They emphasize the importance of community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and the empowerment of Latina/o/x students to become agents of change in their communities.

In conclusion, Latina/o/x Education in Chicago provides a valuable insight into the ongoing struggle for educational equity in the Chicago Public Schools. The collection of essays highlights the historical context of segregated and inferior schooling, the changing purposes and meanings of education for Latina/o/x students, and the resistance against educational reforms rooted in neoliberalism. Through the narratives and empirical data presented in these essays, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Latina/o/x communities and students and the transformative practices that are shaping new approaches to education. This book serves as a call to action for educators, policymakers, and community members to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable educational system for all students, regardless of their background or identity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044502