In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the Hispanic Student Success Task Force, which aims to enhance educational outcomes for Hispanic and Latino students. The task force, composed of families and community members, is focused on co-creating goals and solutions to address the challenges faced by these students.

Key initiatives identified by the task force include the formation of three subcommittees. The first subcommittee is dedicated to family and community engagement, particularly targeting the critical 9th-grade year, where less than 40% of students complete the necessary credits for graduation. The task force recognizes this pivotal year as an opportunity to implement changes that could improve student retention and success.

Additionally, the task force is exploring ways to increase student engagement by soliciting feedback from Hispanic and Latino students on how their educational experiences can be improved. This includes examining both daytime and after-school activities, as well as staffing changes that could create a more supportive environment for these students.

Another significant focus is on expanding bilingual and multilingual opportunities, particularly through dual language programs. While acknowledging that these programs alone will not resolve the challenges faced by English learners, the task force emphasizes the importance of recognizing and elevating heritage languages as valuable assets within the educational framework.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the task force members for their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for Hispanic and Latino students.