The Starting Line

Latina/o Children, Texas Schools, and National Debates on Early Education

Robert Crosnoe author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:University of Texas Press

Published:8th Dec '20

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Starting Line cover

How can we create high-quality learning environments for children from socially, politically, and economically marginalized groups? How do early childhood programs help to overcome the challenges created by poverty? Seeking to answer these questions, The Starting Line delves into the ups and downs of early education programs serving Latinas/os in Texas, using the state as a window into broader debates about academic opportunity and the changing demographics of the United States.

Immersing readers in the day-to-day activities of Texas's early childhood education programs, Robert Crosnoe illuminates how significant obstacles can stymie the best intentions. Crosnoe pays particular attention to the complex connections among classrooms, schools, families, and communities, as well as the frequently unfolding interplay of educational philosophies. The result is a story highlighting the promises of early childhood education, the perils faced in attempting to fulfill them, and the degree to which Texas stands at the forefront of some larger movements and lags behind in others.

Giving voice to bilingual educators and low-income Latina/o families, this book is a timely exploration of the strengths and needs of what will soon be the largest share of the US child population.

[The Starting Line] offers bilingual educators and low-income Latina/o families a voice in the conversation regarding the educational needs of Latina/o children. Through the research presented here, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and key community stakeholders may be able to identify specific levers for change to enhance family support and early childhood education programs for Latina/o children in Texas, as well as for the growing population of Latina/o children throughout the US. This reviewer highly recommends this book to a wide audience. * CHOICE *

ISBN: 9781477322383

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 23mm

Weight: 399g

184 pages