Published in 2003, the study is worth reading today as we face anew the challenges posed by the approaching imposition of mandatory passing of Washington state tests in order to graduate from high school. The children of immigrants and under educated minorities are most likely to find these standardized tests another barrier between them and achieving the “American Dream.” This report is well worth the time it takes to read. Though it focuses on California and Massachusetts, what was found is universal in its application.

State Farm, one of the API advocacy community's strongest supporters, helped sponsor this study of Southeast Asian Youth.

Written by: Khatharya Um, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Comparative Ethnic Studies; University of California-Berkeley Produced in Cooperation With: Berkeley Southeast Asian Student Coalition; and published by Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC).

Here is the table of contents:

Barriers to Educational Advancement
A. Little or No Access to Information
B. Limited Access to Support
C. Stereotyping, Low Expectations from Educators, and Academic Failure
D. Critical Roles of Paraprofessionals and Teaching Support Staff
E. Limited Access to Community Resources
F. Racism
G. Absence of Language/History Courses, Active Role Models, and Southeast Asian Teachers

Other Barriers to Educational Achievement
A. Cultural Constraints
B. Economic Constraints

Recommendations
A. Need for Mobilization and Advocacy
B. Need for Parent Education
C. Strengthening Community-Based Organizations and Building Family-Community School Collaboration
D. Development of a Scholarship Program and Coordinating Institution
E. Strengthening the Support Structure in Families and Schools
F. Addressing the Lack or Absence of Language and History Courses, and of Active Role Models

Appendix I
A. State and Condition of Southeast Asian Communities in California: Census 1990
B. Population on Public Assistance (%): Census 1990
C. Migration and Residency Cohorts of Populations (%): Census 1990

Appendix II
A. Cambodian Householders Living Alone (%): Census 1990
B. Average Family Size in California and Washington State: Census 1990

Appendix III
Demographics by Race Alone or in Any Combination with One or More Other Categories of Same Race: Census 2000
Appendix IV

Data Based on Surveys Administered to Southeast Asian Students in Post-Secondary Institutions in California and Massachusetts

Study Finds Asian American Education Needs Unfulfilled

© 2005 OCA-Greater Seattle

EMBRACING THE HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS OF CHINESE AND ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS IN THE UNITED STATES

OCA - GREATER SEATTLE CHAPTER