Examining the Academic and Personal-Social Experiences of Latina/o Children in Southeastern U.S. Rural, Burgeoning Latino Communities

significantly large increases in the number of Latina/o residents, particularly in rural communities. This study was designed to ascertain the impressions of non-Latina/o teachers and school counselors working with Latina/o youngsters in elementary school settings in these communities through the use of focus group methodologies. Four general themes were identified using the Consensual Qualitative Research method of analysis: (I) Academic factors affecting Latina/o children in burgeoning communities; (II) School interventions used for addressing academic factors; (III) Latina/o children and family characteristics in burgeoning communities; and (IV) personal-social-economic factors impacting Latina/o children in burgeoning communities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Latina/o students represent the fastest growing student group in the United States ’ elementary and secondary schools (2003). Between the years 1972 and 2000, the percentage of Latina/o students in public schools increased by 11%, in comparison to a 2 % increase by Black students (NCES, 2003). Consequently, in the year 2000, Latina/o students represented 44 % of minority and 17 % of all public school students in kindergarten through 12th grade (NCES, 2003). In response t