Schooling the City, 1940–1977: Latinos in Chicago and the Midwest

The history of Latino schooling in Chicago and the Midwest is a story of both struggle and progress. From the early 1940s to the late 1970s, Latino students and educators in the region faced numerous challenges, including segregation, discrimination, and poverty. However, they also made significant strides in overcoming these barriers and improving the quality of education for Latino children.

Puerto Rican Chicago: Schooling the City, 1940-1977 (Latinos in Chicago and Midwest)

by Peter Westoby

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Language	:	English
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Early Latino Schooling in Chicago and the Midwest

The first Latinos to arrive in Chicago and the Midwest came from Mexico in the early 1900s. They were mostly men who worked in the region's factories and meatpacking plants. By the 1940s, there were a growing number of Latino children in the region, and the need for Latino schools became increasingly apparent.

The first Latino schools in Chicago and the Midwest were often established by community organizations or religious groups. These schools were often underfunded and overcrowded, and they typically offered a limited curriculum. However, they played an important role in providing Latino children with a sense of community and support.

Segregation and Discrimination in Latino Schools

In the 1940s and 1950s, Latino schools in Chicago and the Midwest were often segregated from white schools. This segregation was based on a combination of factors, including racism, poverty, and residential patterns. Latino children who attended segregated schools were often denied access to the same resources and opportunities as white children.

In addition to segregation, Latino students in Chicago and the Midwest also faced discrimination from teachers and administrators. Latino students were often punished more harshly than white students for the same offenses, and they were less likely to be recommended for advanced classes.

The Rise of the Chicano Movement and the Demand for Educational Reform

In the 1960s, the Chicano Movement emerged as a powerful force for change in Latino communities across the United States. The Chicano Movement challenged the status quo of discrimination and poverty, and it demanded reforms in education, housing, and employment.

One of the key demands of the Chicano Movement was for improved educational opportunities for Latino students. Chicano activists argued that Latino children were being denied their right to a quality education, and they called for an end to segregation and discrimination in schools.

Bilingual Education and School Reform

In the 1970s, the federal government began to address the issue of Latino schooling. In 1974, Congress passed the Bilingual Education Act, which provided funding for schools to offer bilingual education programs. Bilingual education programs allow Latino students to learn English while also continuing to develop their native language skills.

In addition to bilingual education, the 1970s also saw a growing movement for school reform in Latino communities. School reformers argued that Latino schools needed more resources, more autonomy, and more control over their own curriculum.

The Legacy of Latino Schooling in Chicago and the Midwest

The history of Latino schooling in Chicago and the Midwest is a complex and multifaceted one. It is a story of both struggle and progress. Latino students and educators in the region have faced numerous challenges, but they have also made significant strides in improving the quality of education for Latino children.

The legacy of Latino schooling in Chicago and the Midwest is a mixed one. On the one hand, Latino schools have often been segregated and underfunded. On the other hand, Latino students and educators have also made significant progress in overcoming these barriers and improving the quality of education for Latino children.

As we look to the future, it is important to remember the lessons of the past. We must continue to work to ensure that all Latino students have access to a quality education, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Further Reading

There is a growing body of research on the history of Latino schooling in Chicago and the Midwest. For further reading, see the following sources:

• Carlos G. Arce, La Raza Unida: The Chicano Movement and the Mexican American Civil Rights Struggle (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2013).
• Esteban Morales, Education for Social Justice: Chican@ and Latin@ Studies in Higher Education (Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2015).
• Marisol Torres and Rita Kohli, Learning in Two Worlds: An Investigation of Latina/o Students' School Success (New York: Routledge, 2015).

Puerto Rican Chicago: Schooling the City, 1940-1977 (Latinos in Chicago and Midwest)

by Peter Westoby

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1983 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE