Understanding the Relationship between Heritage Language Programs and Latinx Student Retention

This book is a collection of empirical studies that seeks to address how receiving instruction in Spanish language affects heritage Spanish speakers not only linguistically, but also attitudinally, socially, and academically. The research literature identifies three pedagogically significant ways in which heritage language (HL) learners differ from second (L2) learners: namely, with respect to their skills in the target language, their socio-affective needs vis-à-vis the target language and culture, and their receptivity to instruction. This volume contributes to the scholarly conversation surrounding how to most effectively meet the instructional needs of heritage Spanish speakers.