The Struggle for Inclusion: The Chicano Educational Experience in a Diverse Society

The Struggle for Inclusion: The Chicano Educational Experience in a Diverse Society highlights many of the key issues confronted by native-born Chicano and Mexican immigrant students. Part of the larger story of education in the United States, this anthology starts by exploring the diverse perspectives of the experiences of the Mexican-origin community in schools before examining topical areas of relevance and importance to the twenty-first century. Of particular interest are the issues of segregation and the community’s resistance to the exclusion of their children. Students will gain insight to the role of demographics, culture, and language, the experience of immigrant students and bilingual education, the educational pipeline, testing, the elimination of Chicano studies at the Tucson Unified School District, border issues, and the significance of Chicano studies at the university. Compiled for future teachers and other professionals alike, this anthology ultimately calls attention to the need to improve the educational experiences of both Mexican-origin students and all students regardless of race.

Carlos F. Ortega was born and raised in Los Angeles. He received his university training at California State University, Northridge, Harvard University, and the University of Southern California. His teaching and research interests are in the fields of Chicano studies and educational policy analysis. He has taught at California State University, Northridge and at Sonoma State University and currently serves as lecturer for the Chicano Studies Program at the University of Texas-El Paso. He teaches courses in cultural diversity and Chicano music and film. From 1995-1997, he was also coordinator of the Latino Leadership Opportunity Program at the same campus.