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The academic achievement of Latinos is of great concern as the percentage of high school completion of Latino students falls behind that of other ethnic groups. There is a need to explore the relationship patterns of peers, school life and Latino students school performance and the impact these may have in the development of future goals. Even though supportive and trusting relationships with teachers and other adults in school settings are important for the academic development of adolescents, supportive alliances with other students are just as valuable. Peer relationships are very important; students sense of social acceptance, being comfortable at school, their decisions in respect to school performance, and educational aspirations are shaped on an ongoing basis through their relationships with peers.

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Dr. Adonay Antonio Montes is an assistant professor of education at the University of La Verne. He is also the director of the Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Certificate Program. His research agenda encompasses working with diverse populations, community engagement, youth development, parent empowerment, counselor education and critical pedagogy.

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