ERIC Number: EJ794824
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 19
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-308X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Home-School Relations and the Construction of Racial and Ethnic Identity of Hmong Elementary Students
Adler, Susan Matoba
School Community Journal, v14 n2 p57-75 Fall-Win 2004
This qualitative study examines how Hmong parents and professional staff at one elementary school perceive home-school relations and how they construct racial and ethnic identities of Hmong children. The study was conducted at a Midwestern elementary school where the Hmong student population is over 50% and where five Hmong staff members are employed (3 teachers, 2 aide/translators). Findings indicate differing opinions among parents and school staff in the areas of understanding Hmong culture, multiculturalism and cultural sensitivity, Hmong students "model minority" or "at risk" educationally and linguistically, the role parents play in school involvement, and the construction of race and ethnicity of Hmong students. Neither of two typical Asian stereotypes was attributed to Hmong students, and the prevailing perspective of the ethnic groups was that of "foreigner." Conflicts with work schedules and language barriers are common constraints to parent involvement in the classrooms. Hmong parents are deeply concerned about their children's education and expect the school staff to be accountable for student achievement. Like some other Asian American groups, parent participation is seen as a division of labor with complimentary responsibilities between home and school.
Descriptors: Family School Relationship, Hmong People, Asian Americans, Ethnicity, Racial Identification, Elementary School Students, Parent Attitudes, Parent Participation, School Personnel, Attitudes, Surveys, Adjustment (to Environment), School Policy, Multicultural Education, Ethnic Stereotypes, Gender Issues, Parent Teacher Cooperation, Interviews
Academic Development Institute. 121 N. Kickapoo Street, Lincoln, IL 62656. Tel: 217-732-6462; Fax: 217-732-3696; Web site: http://www.adi.org/journal
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A