Latino education to be focus of Dec. 5 forum in Yuma

YUMA – Parents, educators, business leaders, community members and policymakers are invited to attend a presentation and open discussion Wednesday regarding Latino education and its impact on Arizona’s economy and future.

Featured will be a presentation of a recent report by Morrison Institute for Public Policy, entitled “Dropped? Latino Education and Arizona’s Economic Future.” The report will be distributed in hard-copy publication at the forum.

The event, Wednesday 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kofa High School Auditorium, 3100 S. Avenue A in Yuma, is being sponsored by Morrison Institute and the Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, or ALRE. An information reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., prior to the event.

A panel discussion will follow the presentation, with community dialogue rounding out the schedule.

Speakers and panelist include:

• Dr. David Daugherty, director of research, Morrison Institute
• John Fisher, executive director, Stand for Children
• James Sheldahl, associate superintendent, Yuma Union High School District
• Joseph Garcia, director of Morrison Institute Latino Public Policy Center

“The discussion regarding Arizona’s crisis-level Latino educational achievement gap is increasing around the state, as more and more individuals and communities are beginning to understand that we can no longer separate Latino issues from Arizona issues because they are one and the same – especially when talking about the future,” Garcia said.

Established in 1982, Morrison Institute for Public Policy is a leader in examining critical Arizona and regional issues, and is a catalyst for public dialogue. An Arizona State University resource, Morrison Institute uses nonpartisan research and communication outreach to help improve the state’s quality of life.