Survey of the Hispanic Population In Colorado.

Three hundred twelve respondents representing a cross section of Colorado Hispanic families participated in a 1978 questionnaire survey developed by the Colorado Department of Education to assess the mobility and point of origin of the state's Hispanic population and to provide information about attitudes and feelings concerning the public school education of Hispanic students. Analysis of the data indicated: most Hispanics were not newcomers to the state (71% were born in Colorado, 42% had moved less than 50 miles from their birthplace, 53% were second generation Coloradans, and 4% of their grandparents were born in Colorado); only 6% indicated the Spanish language was never used at home, 54% always spoke Spanish with parents and relatives, and 38% sometimes spoke Spanish at home; 82% of the respondents who had originated in Colorado or New Mexico preferred to be referred to as "Spanish Americans", the majority of those who had originated from Mexico preferred the term "Mexican Americans", and 16% preferred "Chicano"; 94% favored a state bilingual/bicultural educational program with the content emphasizing culture, education, self-esteem, and Spanish language; 84% felt a multi-ethnic program for all students was needed; 42% were satisfied with the school's efforts in promoting better understanding among students of all ethnic backgrounds; and 85% felt there was a dropout problem among the Spanish surnamed. (NEC)