An American Cultural Awareness Group To Promote Daily Attendance of Adolescent Married Hmong Females.
Author(s):
King, Sherry Jackson
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
1993.
Language:
English
Abstract:
School attendance was irregular for female Hmong students at a middle school in the midwestern United States in an area with a substantial Hmong population. This resulted in low achievement and reduced the opportunity to learn coping skills for functioning effectively in Hmong and American society. The goal of this practicum was to improve the daily attendance of four targeted Hmong students. Even though the program was designed initially for married students, the degree of participation by married Hmong students was very small. The anticipated outcome was that 2 of the 4 targeted students would attend school at least 4 days a week, and that targeted students would obtain a higher letter grade in one academic subject. An American cultural awareness group was developed, incorporating a teen parenting program. Students participated in this for 12 weeks, and the targeted students were also required to participate in a lunch group that promoted interaction with other students, staff, and administrators. The participation of their parents was encouraged, particularly during the celebration of the Hmong New Year, when parents provided information about Hmong traditions. Students reported that they came to a better understanding of American culture and the importance of school attendance. Attendance did improve, as did the grades of participants. Appendixes present an attendance report, student report cards, and the permission form used for the study. (Contains 3 tables and 32 references.) (SLD)