Drop-out rates for American women aged 16-24

Hispanic - 30% Black - 12.9% White - 8.2%

The report, from the American Association of University Women, says that the US education system ignores the cultural issues facing Hispanic girls, leaving them lagging behind other ethnic groups.

There are calls for the recruitment of more Hispanic teachers and for schools to work with the Hispanic community to overcome cultural obstacles to education for women.

The study says Hispanic women often have domestic responsibilities, such as caring for younger brothers and sisters after school.

And it points to pressure from boyfriends who do not want their girlfriends or future wives to be too educated.

Acting 'too white'

Hispanic women might also be accused of acting "too white" if they are educated, the study claims.

The report's authors say the situation could be improved if more Hispanic teachers were recruited who could serve as role models.

Other report findings

Hispanic girls less likely to sit college entrance exams Hispanic girls sitting the exams score lower than other girls More Hispanic women than men obtain Bachelor's and Master's degrees, but more men earn doctorates or professional degrees

It is estimated that Hispanics will make up a quarter of the US school population by the year 2030.

According to the National Council of La Raza, an umbrella group representing Hispanics, only 10% of Hispanic women completed four or more years of college, compared with 13.9% of blacks and 22.3% of whites.

Raul Gonzalez, from the group said the best way to improve the performance of Hispanic girls and boys was to have qualified teachers and a rigorous curriculum.

"I think the bottom line is we need to improve schools for Hispanics altogether," he said.