<p> The Latino student population in the California Community College System has surpassed the White student population as the largest sector. However, the academic achievement of Latino students trails behind that of White students, creating an achievement gap. The number of Latina/o trustees is also on the rise with voting demographics. However, the number of Latina/o CEO/presidential leadership is in decline. Latino policy makers can be instrumental in the creation of a diverse campus climate and growing the number of Latina/o CEOs. Diversity and role models are linked to improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly for Latino students.</p><p> This quantitative study examined the impact of demographic and political factors on the perceptions of problems and priorities of California Community College Trustees. The dependent variable was the likelihood that trustees would agree that it was their role to promote the growth of Latina/o leadership. The demographic variable of interest was ethnicity and the study examined the differences in responses among Latina/o, White and other trustees. This study explored factors that may contribute to the steady decline of Latina/o CEO leadership and those that might aid in the growth of Latina/o leadership. </p><p> This study confirmed that there are significant differences in the perceptions and priorities of Latina/o and White trustees. It was found that all trustees believed that the Latino achievement gap was a concern; however, while Latina/o and White trustees believed the gap persisted because of the growing number of remedial students and budget cuts, Latina/o trustees also believed that the gap persisted because of limited Latina/o representation and role models. The perceptions and priorities of Latina/o trustees are shaped by culture expectations and minority status, which influence their interests to help Latino students and increase the number of Latina/o leaders. White trustees do not share the same experiences but do share the interest to help Latino students because their role is to serve all students. This study confirmed that Latino trustees were more likely than White trustees to agree that it was their role to promote the growth of Latina/o CEO leadership. However, the perceptions and priorities of White trustees have a significant impact on the role of Latina/o trustees in growing Latina/o leadership. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3674339 |
| Date | 31 October 2014 |
| Creators | Yanez-Jiminez, Michelle |
| Publisher | California State University, Long Beach |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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