How Simultaneous Education for Immigrant Parents Shapes Academic Experiences for Their Secondary School Children

• In Event: Intergenerational Contexts of Multiple Languages and Literacies

Abstract

This qualitative study is focused on the impact of a community college adult ESL education program on 10 immigrant families in a low SES metropolitan region in a mid-Atlantic state. The research question, “What is the perceived benefit of simultaneous education of both parent and child on the child's academic development?” was answered by conducting interviews of 10 parents who had children in secondary school. The interviews were focused on parents’ sense of self-efficacy and the overall condition of the family. The findings indicated perceived positive influences on children’s academic development through (a) improved relationships between parents and children; (b) increased monitoring of children's schoolwork; (c) increased parental involvement; (d) increase in parental self-efficacy.

Authors

• Sofia Marshak, The George Washington University

• Abebayehu Aemero Tekleselassie, The George Washington University

• Susan Swayze, The George Washington University