University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
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Creation Date
2023
Major
Spanish Teaching
Department
Languages, Cultures, and Humanities
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Socorro Zaragoza
Mentor Department
Languages, Cultures, and Humanities
Abstract
The achievement gap for the educational attainment of underrepresented populations has been the subject of study for decades. According to the Kentucky School Report Card data for school year 2018-2019, the Latinx community has an achievement gap rate of 42.0% with differences of -19.1% compared to White (non-Hispanic) students. Therefore, it is essential to find pathways to close the educational attainment gap and achieve equity. In this poster, I will research best practices for improving diverse student performance and educational opportunities, including the recruitment and retention of diverse educators and staff. A research report by the Learning Policy Institute states that students of color have better academic performance, improved graduation rates, and are more likely to attend post-secondary education when taught by an educator of color. In addition, according to the report, students also feel academically challenged and cared for by those educators. Another significant factor is the experience of the educators that serve Latinx youth. Diverse students and students of low-income backgrounds are more likely to be placed in classrooms with inexperienced educators compared to White (non-Hispanic) students. Diverse students' critical learning opportunities are affected by this as a result of inequity. I will analyze evidence-based strategies for re-evaluating teacher preparation programs and making the appropriate or necessary curricular changes to better prepare culturally competent teachers. The goal is to offer insights on what are the needs in the preparation of teachers in the state so that we can better recruit and retain teachers to empower the next generations of Kentuckians.