April Noticias
Monthly E-Newletter from Hispanic CREO • April 2008




NAEP Scores Reveal Hispanic Students' Writing Lags Behind White Students
Washington, DC – On April 3, the National Assessment of Educational Progress released its 2007 writing assessment scores, which revealed that across the nation, Latino students’ writing skills lag significantly behind those of White students.

Although Hispanic students scores on the writing assessment have improved since last year, the average Hispanic student scores only a 142 on the test, compared to the average White student’s 164. This 22-point difference is troubling for educators who are concerned about closing the achievement gap between White and minority students.

“Although it is very positive that Hispanic students are improving their writing skills, we can see that the achievement gap between Latinos and Whites is still very prevalent and very troubling. If we are going to close this gap, we must make sure that Latino children have the same educational opportunities as White children – which means that they must have access to schools that will serve their educational needs” said Anthony J. Colón, President of Hispanic CREO.

For details on the 2007 NAEP Writing Scores, please visit: http://nationsreportcard.gov/writing_2007/





Hispanic CREO Honors 70 New School Choice Advocates in Colorado

Denver, CO – Hispanic CREO partnered with its affiliate, the Church of San Cajetan, to celebrate Children’s Day on April 27th in Denver, Colorado. The event was attended by over 900 people – the majority of them children – who came to the annual celebration to participate in Saint Cajetan’s cultural activities, entertainment, and athletic events. During the festival, Hispanic CREO hosted a special graduation ceremony for more than 70 parents who have participated in the organization’s school choice workshops over the past eight months.

“Over the past 8 months, these parents have changed from being parents who simply wanted to do the best for their children to being passionate advocates who will fight for parental choice in education. I am very proud to call these parents Hispanic CREO advocates and I am proud of all that they have learned,” said Linda Sosa, Hispanic CREO’s Colorado field organizer.





80 Arizona Families Enroll in Scholarship Programs at Hispanic CREO Event

Mesa, AZ – More than 80 Latino families registered their children for Arizona’s school choice programs at Hispanic CREO’s first scholarship enrollment event, held on April 27th at La Roca church in Mesa, Arizona. The afternoon event was held to register students for Arizona’s Corporate Tax Credit scholarship and scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

Hispanic CREO’s Arizona field organizers, Liliana Hutcheson and Christina Caro, organized the event to give parents the practical tools they needed to take advantage of the educational options available to them. More than 80 families from the Mesa area attended the event to register their children for the scholarships. The high attendance number reveals the Hispanic community’s increased interest in these programs, which greatly benefit the most needy families in Arizona.

Hispanic CREO is seeking to increase the number of Hispanic children benefiting from these scholarships. If you are a member of a low-income family or if you have a child with disabilities, please contact Christina Caro or Liliana Hutcheson to learn if you qualify for this excellent opportunity. Christina Caro may be reached at christycaro@aol.com; Liliana Hutcheson can be contacted at lilianah@cox.net.

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HISPANIC COUNCIL FOR REFORM AND EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS
2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 408
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 625-6766 / Fax (202) 625-6767 /
Toll free 1-877-888-2736 / www.hcreo.org