Education is one of the most important public policy issues facing Latinos in the United States today, but the political dynamics behind Latino school achievement and failure are often misunderstood—and at times, overlooked altogether. In twelve revealing essays, The Politics of Latino Education brings together 23 accomplished and influential voices to examine the political factors that shape the Latino educational experience. With a breadth of expertise no other volume can match, this resource:

• Provides an authoritative introduction to the U.S. education policy process, as well as a specific survey of how that process relates to Latinos.
• Covers a wide range of topics important to improving education for Latinos, including standardized testing, immigration, bilingual education, and the Latino education “pipeline.”
• Incorporates a wealth of current statistical data, as well as qualitative research and firsthand experiences, to show how policy decisions actually play out in real classrooms.
• Brings together experts from a wide range of perspectives within the fields of political science, public administration, and education.

David L. Leal is an Associate Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, Director of the UT Public Policy Institute, and Faculty Associate of the UT Center for Mexican American Studies. Kenneth J. Meier is the Charles H. Gregory Chair in Liberal Arts and Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Texas A & M University.