Hoping to boost academic performance and lower dropout rates among Latino students, the Mexican government and Los Angeles Unified School District officials announced a joint outreach program Wednesday targeting Spanish-speaking families.

Much of the mostly volunteer program, which could ultimately include a credentialing of LAUSD teachers in Mexico, already exists, but officials hope to expand its reach over the next few years.

Ruben Beltran, Mexico's consul general in Los Angeles, said the partnership will highlight the importance of education among Latinos, who comprise 72 percent of the 750,000 students in the Los Angeles district.

"We want to lower the dropout rate in three or four years," he said. "We want to produce a better environment (for) the Mexican children here."

According to state figures, 23.6 percent of Latino students in the Class of 2002 dropped out of LAUSD high schools, compared with 22 percent districtwide. Latinos also perform below average on standardized tests.

Under the program, the Mexican Consulate will encourage parental involvement through traditional groups, such as the PTA, by promoting events with fliers and pamphlets.

Educators say increased parent participation is key to improving grades and students' interest in school.

The consulate also vowed to increase the number of Spanish-language books it donates to the district and develop more campus-based community plazas, made up of computer banks and homework stations sponsored by Mexican companies.

Currently, North Hollywood High is the district's only school with such a plaza.

"We want higher student achievement, parental involvement, and more teachers," said Jose Huizar, who was born in Mexico and came to the United States at age 3. Given the budget constraints, any bit of help is welcomed, he said. "Overall, it's going to improve student achievement."

The district also hopes to work with the consulate on building a pool of potential teachers in Mexico over the next few years when 140 schools will be built and the demand for credentialed, Spanish-speaking teachers is expected to surge.