Research shows that cultural, socioeconomic, and challenging college admission processes are three themes plaguing Latina students pursing higher education. Latinas are faced with familial obligations, strained income gaps, and limited resources supporting their college application process. The purpose of this study was to determine if enrollment…

This study delved into the perspectives of twelve justice-involved students of color, specifically African-American and Latinx students aged eighteen or older, who are identified as serious offenders. The primary objective was to discern effective practices that fostered a meaningful connection between these students and their teachers, thereby…

This study employs descriptive qualitative analysis to explore the experiences of eight Mexican American veterans utilizing Veterans Affairs education benefits to pursue baccalaureate degrees. Participants were recruited in Southern California at two California Community Colleges and three California State Universities. The findings suggest that…

Opportunities for students to share their thinking with the class--which I refer to as "work-sharing practices--require a profound shift in who is positioned with intellectual authority in mathematics classrooms. This study explores work-sharing practices in one sixth grade mathematics classroom through an interactional lens. Video analysis…

This dissertation examined the motivation and source of support for first-generation Latina community college students who aspire to transfer to a four-year institution. The study is informed by Yosso's Community Cultural Wealth model, to explore how participants navigate their school environment and the vertical transfer process through an…

Using semi-structured interviews with nine socioeconomically and educationally disadvantaged Latin@s at a predominantly White institution, this phenomenological study examined the role that parents played in their success in college. Three distinct themes were identified related to academic advice, motivation, needs; encouraging their resilience;…

This qualitative study highlights the nuances behind apparent internal linguistic discrimination by Latinx bilingual teachers toward their Latinx students' Spanish. Using a teacher solidarity lens and building on prior work in language ideologies and minoritized bilingual teacher identities, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 U.S. and…

This qualitative research study looks at how reflective practices support preservice teachers' professional growth and development and its impacts on their self-efficacy. This study takes place in a regionally recognized south-western Hispanic Serving Institution that serves a high needs school district. Preservice teachers were asked to reflect…

Educators and policymakers have been concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to substantial delays in learning due to disruptions, anxiety, and remote schooling. We study student achievement patterns over the pandemic using a combination of state summative and higher frequency benchmark assessments for middle school students in Michigan.…

Demographic factors have been implicated in teachers' experience of work-related stress and occupational wellbeing. Specifically, teacher-student racial congruence has previously been associated with teachers' risk for experiencing stress, job satisfaction, and workplace fatigue. Questions remain as to the extent to which these effects may be…

Purpose: The purpose of this journal-ready dissertation was to determine the extent to which Hispanic students differed in their performance on the Texas state-mandated Algebra I End-of-Course exam by their at-risk status. Specifically examined was the degree to which the at-risk status of Hispanic students was related to three grade level…

Purpose: With the rise of the Latinx student population in the United States and the urgency to meet the needs of this diverse community, there has been an increased concern and interest in preparing more Latinx educators and school leaders. This study contributes to this knowledge base by centering the voices and experiences of four Latina school…

This article examines the recent tradition of decorating and re-fashioning graduation caps, also known as mortarboards, by Chicanx/Latinx graduates. We describe this practice as StoryBoarding, a form of micro-storytelling tales of Chicana/Latina agency and resistance that counter, expose, and challenge institutionalized forms of racism. Many…

The rate of competitive employment, or employment in community settings for minimum wage or higher, of working-age individuals with disabilities trails behind individuals without disabilities in the United States. These statistics are even more alarming among Hispanic individuals who have disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the…

Diverse leadership in education is crucial for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments across all levels of the education system. From K-12 schools to higher education institutions, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, curriculum, and school culture. Embracing diversity in leadership enhances the overall educational…