An Urban High School’s Response to a Demographic Shift

Abstract With the increasing numbers of Latino English Learners in United States, school educators are tasked with how to better service this population of students. New immigration destination schools are being affected by challenges that come with this increasing population of students. High schools that are experiencing demographic shifts from being predominantly African American to Latino are not prepared to meet the needs of these students. Moreover, additional challenges that arise with this group of students involve addressing their socio emotional and acculturation needs. This qualitative study examined how key personnel in an urban high school responded to a swift demographic shift from a student population that was predominantly African American to one that is predominantly Latino. The data was analyzed using the dedoose program to organize and identify patterns. The themes within the data identified relationships within the data that was collected. The data was configured and generated into individual textural rich thick descriptions of the findings. A qualitative research design was conducted by looking at the experiences of school personnel and their practices and policies implemented to assist Latino English Learners. The case study focused on understanding perspectives of school personnel in order to identify themes related to how school personnel respond to servicing this group of students. To accomplish this, the research collected data by conducting 25 interviews of school personnel. The researcher also gathered background information about the school, which detailed how the school currently services Latino students. The general themes that emerged from data analysis: (a) Challenges School Personnel Face, (b) Student Mobility, (c) Traumatic Experiences of Latino ELs, (d) Lack of Training, (e) The District’s Response, (f) Cultural Integration, (g) Positive Social and Emotional Development for Latino ELs, (h) Language Acquisition, (i) Funding, and (j) Measuring Success Outcomes. The findings of this study will assist school districts across the United States that face changing student demographics to reflect a large portion of the student body that is Latino. The gathered information will also contribute to enhance practices for teacher education programs that attempt to train pre service teachers who are learning how to meet the needs of Latino English Learners