Xicanas Testimonios Thriving in Continuation Schools after being Pushed Out of Comprehensive Schools

This qualitative study examines how Xicanas are pushed out of comprehensive schools to continuation schools through criminalization based on gender and their ethnic background. I conducted semi-structured interviews that collect Xicana testimonios. I conducted face-to-face interviews with eight participants and gathered thirteen student assignments from a teacher at a continuation high school to illustrate Xicanas experiences in continuation high schools after being pushed out from comprehensive school. Since privileged folks control the narrative to keep Xicanas and other students from receiving access to further their educational goals. I focused on Xicanas in my research because they are not acknowledged. Xicanas are impacted tremendously when they are labeled as bad in the education system leaving them at a disadvantage. I argue that Xicanas can thrive anywhere as long as they are granted support and are given the opportunity to thrive. Key Word: Institutional racism, Xicanas, testimonios, high school pushout, continuation high schools, comprehensive high school, Latina Critical Race Theory, Xicana Feminist Epistemology