Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1979

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

MacKenzie, Donald G.

Abstract

This study began with an investigation of Mexican American adult literacy rates and socioeconomic status in the U. S. A review of the literature revealed the Mexican American ethnic minority, in comparison with other ethnic minorities in the U. S., to have the lowest levels of educational attainment, socioeconomic status, health and nutrition rates, and political participation. Mexican American immigration and U. S. residency rates were shown to be higher than other immigrant groups, but their U. S. naturalization rates were disproportionately low. Mexican American participation rates in U. S. Adult Education literacy training programs were also lower than other ethnic groups. Based on these findings, the author assumed that there were special competencies for teaching English to Mexican American adults. In an attempt to identify these assumed competencies, the opinions of teachers actively involved in teaching English to Mexican American adults were sought. The Delphi survey technique was the main tool used in gathering data. The study was limited to Florida because of evidence of increasing Mexican American immigration in this state and the author's accessibility to the school system. The implications of the study were that personal concern is an important competency for teaching English to Mexican American adults, there is a lack of awareness of the Mexican influx into the U. S., and there is a need for more emphasis on cultural and linguistic pluralism in American education.

Extent

131 p.

Comments

Thesis (Educat.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1979.|College of Education|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (Educat.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1979.

Identifier

FADT11727

Format

pdf

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