[For the most part, the gulf between Mexican Americans and other ethnic groups reflects differences in family background. Mexican American children account for two-thirds (68 percent) of California children in families where neither parent has completed high school.] When parents have little education and few resources, their kids simply have more ground to make up, ... Given the compelling role socioeconomic conditions play, the state should consider bolstering programs that assist parents -- such as improving adult literacy and English language skills -- and that target workplaces. |
In the 1970's and 1960's we were talking about more one-earner families, |
In the 1970's and 1960's we were talking about more one-earner families. Now, we're talking about two-earner families having the same income level that one-earner families used to have. |
That really was a time when the rising tide lifted all boats, and we had an increase in income in California, |
The findings overall are good news for the state -- with a dose of caution. Although all ethnic groups are making educational gains from generation to generation, the low education we find for Mexican Americans is disturbing. |
The question of intergenerational progress is, 'Are you doing better than your parents? Often when immigrants come, one of the reasons is so that their children will have better lives, and having a better life in California and the U.S. is often associated with more education. |
This matters because education leads to opportunity. What happens to the second and third generations is the story of the future of California. |
When parents have little education and few resources, their kids simply have more ground to make up. Given the compelling role socioeconomic conditions play, the state should consider bolstering programs that assist parents -- such as improving adult literacy and English language skills -- and that target workplaces. |
While we see progress, it's not sufficient to meet California's economic needs. |