A Community Mapping Of The Little Village And Pilsen...

While conducting a community mapping of the Little Village and Pilsen communities, I was able to experience an entirely different culture than any I have before. I was immersed in a culture exponentially different than that in which I was raised and reside in. The communities have many assets such as their close proximity to transportation and major job centers being only four miles from downtown. As well as, many strong organizations, multiple public schools, historical churches, parks, and recreation areas. In addition, the vibrant Mexican culture found on just about every block of the community. All of these factors contributed to what I would classify as a closely knit community. As with all communities, the Pilsen and Little Village†¦show more content†¦In a society which is relying increasingly on education, graduating high school is quickly becoming an important accolade to ensure a student’s success in society. According to a study completed in July of 2011, h igh school dropouts cost between $320 billion and $350 billion annually in lost wages, taxable income, health, welfare and incarceration costs. (Zhao, 2011) As well as the financial impact, there are many other aspects that should be addressed when looking at high school dropout rates. The most prevalent example is the fact that systematically, the education system has shown significant signs of unbalance in the distribution of dropout rates across different races and or ethnicities. In 2009, 4.8 percent of of blacks and 5.8 percent of Hispanics between 15 and 24 dropped out of grades 10-12, compared with 2.4 percent for white students. (Zhao, 2011) With statistics like this, it is important that we not only ensure our education system is operating in a successful way, but also providing equal education and opportunities for students of all races, ethnicities, income levels, and religious backgrounds. By examining our education system, we as educators will be able to address and hop efully resolve the issues related to the unequal dropout rates in high schools across the nation. When it comes to high school dropout rates, there are many factors that need to be considered before attempting to suggest a reason, and a solution to the issue. One of the first