FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2006

Conference Roundtable focuses on Collaboration for Hispanic higher education successConference Roundtable focuses on Collaboration for Hispanic higher education success

San Antonio, TX - The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) held an important roundtable discussion Monday, October 30, during its 20th Annual Conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

The discussion focused on the main challenges and opportunities faced by Hispanic-Serving School Districts (HSSDs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as well as other HACU-member institutions, in their efforts to increase collaboration for greater Hispanic student success.

Dr. Wilfredo Laboy, Superintendent, Lawrence Public Schools, Massachusetts, and one of the panelist discussed the many disparities faced by ELL (English Language Learners) in primary and secondary education.  He also provided several means by which institutions of higher education can prepare teachers for the dual responsibility of teaching content and a second language.

Dr. Lic. Miguel Angel Martinez Espinosa, Secretario de Educación, Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco, Mexico and Dr. Galarza shared their experience with university programs in Jalisco and Veracruz targeted at developing teachers that are not only bilingual but also bicultural.

Comments from the audience reinforced the need for a nationally consistent collaboration strategy between K-12 and higher education institutions.  Roundtable participants were very interested in developing collaborations, creating a "best practices" manual, and implementing strategies for the long term sustainability and assessment of those collaborations.  HACU will be working with its many members to help implement the ideas that were generated from the roundtable.

This session was presented as part of HACU’s launching of an HSSD affiliate category this fall.

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