Educators prepare for increase in Hispanic students

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- With a steady rise in the state's Hispanic population, educators are preparing for an increase this year in Hispanic student enrollment.<br/><br/>State education officials say

Saturday, August 7th 2004, 6:39 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- With a steady rise in the state's Hispanic population, educators are preparing for an increase this year in Hispanic student enrollment.

State education officials say Hispanic enrollment grew by 4,000 last year for a total of nearly 48,000. That equates to about 8% of the overall student population.

Officials expect that number to increase again this year, although they aren't sure by how much.

Educators say they hope to stress to these students the importance of going on to higher education.

The US Department of Education reports more than 27% of Hispanic students drop out of school and just 13% get a college degree.