Heaven Education: Why Gifted Education Is Culturally Relevant for Chinese Americans

• In Event: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism in Education

Abstract

Chinese American parents in NYC are fighting to keep gifted education for their children. This mixed methods study examines why gifted education is culturally relevant for this historically marginalized group and why parents desire it for their children. Chinese American parents of gifted children ages Pre-K through 8th scored higher on the Asian Value Scale than a general Asian population. This indicates that these parents adhere strongly to traditional Confucian values, especially the idea that talent and hard work will lead to success. These parents also scored highest for the needs of achievement and autonomy on the Needs Assessment Questionnaire, suggesting that they incorporate typical Western values with their deeply rooted Asian values to achieve the American Dream.

Author

• Julie M. Milner, Long Island University - Brooklyn