Latinos aspire to better education

96 percent of Latinos would like to see their kids earn a college degree.

When it comes to their children’s education, Latino voters have clear and high aspirations: a new poll revealed that an overwhelming 96 percent—almost all—would like to see their kids earn a college degree, whether it is a bachelor’s, master’s or professional degree.

What is not so clear is whether these voters can achieve this, at least from the financial point of view, since 59 percent do not think they will be able to continue paying their children’s tuition if it increases again next year. And 40 percent thinks that in general, even today, it will be difficult to pay all the costs associated with having their children attend college.

These are some of the results of an impreMedia/Latino Decisions poll, the fourth in a series of six national polls exploring the opinions of the Latino group that has best integrated into American society: registered voters.

An interesting poll finding is that, when it comes to seeking solutions for problems related to education and the low high school graduation rate, Latino voters are not so attached to ideological solutions (read: liberal or conservative) and freely choose from both options, sometimes in contradictory ways.

For example, the poll revealed Latinos consider the participation of parents the most important or crucial issue in tackling education problems. Only 17 percent blamed the state, 10 percent the school district and 5 percent teachers. In fact, Latinos usually have a high opinion of their children’s schools and teachers. Of respondents, 73 percent think their children’s teachers are good or excellent, while 67 percent think the school their children attend is good or excellent.

Also, 74 percent oppose reducing teachers’ salaries. However, 53 percent support the idea—generally considered conservative—of basing salaries on performance rather than seniority, an option supported by 37 percent.

Regarding solutions to education problems, voters support different things. The use of tax credits to pay for private school or college tuition obtained the support of 51 percent (school) and 84 percent (college) of voters. Nevertheless, history has shown that, when push comes to shove, a high percentage of Latino voters reject vouchers.

The poll also shows overwhelming support for facilitating education for undocumented students (76 percent) and bilingual education (80 percent), and opposition to reducing the school calendar (84 percent) and reducing art and music classes (65 percent). These voters are willing to pay more taxes for bond measures or to collect money and invest it in education (63 percent), all of which are the most liberal options within the political spectrum.

Education continues being an issue of the utmost importance for Latinos in the U.S.—although in recent months, other issues such as the economy and immigration have had more of a presence in the public arena and have demonstrated a higher priority in recent polls of Latinos in the United States.

In these types of polls, it was traditional for education to be the number one issue for these voters, but in this particular poll, education came third after the economy/jobs and immigration. This makes sense especially today, when the educational opportunities for young people are connected to their immigration status and the swings of the economy.

The economic situation has led states and school districts to make cuts in school spending and increase tuition in colleges and universities frequently in the last few years. This severely impacts the aspirations of Latinos, since a majority of their children count on public education in order to progress, according to the experts.

Source: La Opinión, Hispanics aspire to better education, by Pilar Marrero, August 18, 2011.

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