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Citation:

Siu, S. (1996). Asian American students at risk: A literature review (Crespar Report No. 8). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University. ED404406. http://www.csos.jhu.edu/crespar/reports.htm

Annotation:
This literature review surveys research on Asian American students at risk of failure in public school systems. The author argues that a preponderance of research on high-achieving Asian American students has skewed the research communityÕs ability to focus on the needs of Asian American students at risk and how they should be met. The author examines the extent of the problem and some associated factors, describes programs and strategies and their effectiveness, and identifies next steps. The author found that some issues varied by population, especially if the students suffered from emotional trauma or were living with a ÒfosterÓ family and experiencing a trauma of disconnect. Other issues the author uncovered across the research include: ethnic group identity and motivation, language proficiency, and whether the culture has roots in Confucianism, which values teachers and effort. Of particular value are the authorÕs descriptions of multiple programs that have been successful in a variety of settings to address studentsÕ needs. One example is the National Asian Family School Partnership Program, a national network that can help educators and others connect with resources. Other successful initiatives seem to focus on improving the English literacy of Asian American parents and providing them with resources and instruction that will assist them in advocating for their children. The particular population studied is carefully defined and includes U.S. born, refugee, and immigrant students with roots in East and Southeast Asia, the Malay Peninsula & Archipelago, and the Indian subcontinent. The author makes the case that the research base needs to be strengthened with careful studies, both quantitative and qualitative, that consider cultural and individual variables. This survey of research and programs would be helpful to school personnel initiating programs for Asian American students. Only a few cities, due to their populations, were the sites of most of the research.