LUCHA™ Program Overview
Language Learners at the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Hispanic Achievement (LUCHA™)
Introduction
Children immigrating to Texas from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries face many challenges. These students face academic failure not only because of a language barrier but also because most schools do not have the resources to determine appropriate grade placement, diagnose content-area mastery, or train personnel to recognize and address the challenges faced by immigrant students.
Program Purpose
LUCHA is an innovative K-16 Education Center initiative designed to help secondary Spanish-speaking English language learners transition into public schools, thereby helping them to achieve success in school, college, and life.
Program Goal
To increase the graduation rate for Spanish-speaking English language learners.
Program Objectives
To provide Spanish-speaking English language learners the opportunity to:
- transition into public school without losing instructional time and credits while learning English
- master the core courses in English
- pass the state-mandated performance exams and receive a high school diploma
- build a foundation for successfully completing a post secondary education
Program Services for Secondary Students
- Obtain transcripts from Mexico
- Analyze student transcripts to create a Graduation Credit Analysis (GCA) which includes a summary of credits earned in Mexico and their course equivalencies
- Provide online diagnostic assessments in Spanish
- Provide online courses in Spanish in the core subject areas
Download a presentation on our LUCHA program.
If interested in providing LUCHA services in your district, complete and fax the LUCHA District Partnership Application.
