Activity 3: Role Models for Hispanic Girls

Students will read Document 15, a recent New York Times article, "Troubling Label for Hispanics: Girls Most Likely to Drop Out." They will discuss the following issues for girls:

How old is Ady Solis? Why does she feel like she is not a child? Do you know anybody in a similar situation? Did they finish school or drop out?

Comment on the statement by Ms. Rodriguez, "Many of our children are not succeeding, and that is going to impact us all."

What social and cultural pressures cause Hispanic girls to drop out of school? What is the difference between the "old world" model of Hispanic women and the modern, American view?

What problem does the traditional view of Hispanic women cause for girls in school? What pressures do they feel from family?

What mixed messages did Rosa Talavera receive from her mother and her grandmother? Have students in the class dealt with the same kinds of choices?

What Latina stereotype does Vanessa Blanc mention? Why do you think some Latinas have so few positive role models?

What convinced Martha Gonzalez to finish her education? Have you had similar experiences?

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