Stories of Minority Parents at Schools

• In Event: 61.025 - The Important Role of Parental Involvement in Creating a Positive School Climate and Ensuring Student Success

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine Korean parents’ experiences as well as their satisfaction about their children’s education in U.S. public schools. Korean parents in the New York metropolitan area responded to the surveys, and additional interviews followed. The study findings showed that many Korean parents were not satisfied with school curriculum, parent-school connections, and school practices related to the notion of fairness. Due to language and cultural differences as well as psychological constraints, Korean parents remained silent without sufficiently addressing their concerns and dissatisfactions. The findings suggest that teachers and administrators need to critically reexamine their perceptions of their students and parents with diverse backgrounds, and creatively develop systematic supports for the parents whose voices are silenced.

Author

• Jeesun Jung, Ohio University - Athens