In this article, Rubén Donato explores the experiences of Hispanos, a segment of the Mexican American population, in four southern Colorado school systems — San Luis, Del Norte, Monte Vista, and Trinidad — between 1920 and 1963. Through a combination of historical research; interviews with former students, teachers, and administrators; and examination of public records, Donato finds that Hispanos with similar backgrounds had different educational experiences in each of these school systems. In examining why this occurred, Donato argues that the presence or absence of Hispano autonomy was a powerful factor in determining the relative success or failure of Hispanos in these school systems. Essentially, he maintains that whoever controlled the schools determined who taught in them, who administered them, what sorts of social and academic environments were created, and which students were prepared to pursue post-secondary education.

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