Political Gains of the Chicano Community: Taking and Using Power

Abstract

In this chapter, the author describes and analyzes the political incorporation (empowerment) of the Mexican community manifested in the election of one of its activist members to the local school board. The election result impacted the school district’s policy, program, and personnel practices benefiting the Chicano community. During the 1980s, the Chicano community experienced some significant positive changes. The openness and responsiveness by the local governmental agency (the school district) to the interests of the Chicano community is characterized by policy changes which result in employment and programs that benefit the Chicano community. The impact that Chicano representation had on school boards is manifested in educational policy changes that can be measured by looking at three criteria: academic grouping, discipline, and educational attainment. Academic grouping is characterized by homogeneous and/or ability grouping at the elementary level and curriculum tracking in secondary schools.