Educational experience of Southeast Asian students at three California State University of California campuses
Author(s):
Vang, Kaomine S.
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California State University, Fresno, 2016.
Pages:
121
Language:
English
Abstract:
Asian and Pacific Islanders are one of the most rapidly growing populations and are becoming more intertwined in higher education. Most data sets have indicated that API groups are the model minority group and are generally academically successful. However, recent studies have found that this is not true for all API groups. While many Asian immigrants came to the United States well educated, many others entered from countries that had limited educational and social opportunities for upward mobility (Teranishi, 2012). One such group is the Southeast Asians. This research examines the educational experiences and challenges of Southeast Asian (SEA) students at three California State University (CSU) campuses (CSU Fresno, CSU Sacramento, CSU Long Beach). Semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 14 Southeast Asian students. The information gathered from these interviews were viewed through Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the Model Minority thesis. Through the CRT lens the model minority portrayal of Asian Americans is an attempt to maintain power structures that perpetuate the marginalization of people of color. The model minority thesis is used to combat the proponents of theories of institutional racism within the educational system and support that Asian minority groups ought to be able to succeed as well as the Japanese and Chinese without affirmative action or any other institutional change (Li, 2005). The data from the interviews were then transcribed and aggregated into liked themes and concepts. The study distinguished different student experiences and identified factors that either influenced or inhibited the participating SEA student’s progress towards degree attainment at three CSU campuses. The study found that students faced challenges from family and cultural obligations, teacher and student interaction, stereotypes, invisibility, and lack of school support programs. Furthermore, small differences amongst Hmong males and the other participants were found. These were the main themes found as challenges that may be utilized for future research.