Idaho lags in boosting Latino student education achievements

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Latino students make up 18% of the enrollment in Idaho public schools but their achievement scores continue to lag behind state averages.

The Idaho Statesman reports researchers and state officials say improving Latino student outcomes is an urgent need because of their importance to the state's workforce.

The Idaho Department of Education has set long-term goal to improve Latino outcomes. However, the department has left strategy for reaching those goals to districts and schools with little success in two years.

Latino students are recording lower than average test scores and fewer postsecondary degrees.

Rod Gramer, the CEO of Idaho Business for education, says if the Latino students are not successful, Idaho is not going to be successful.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com