Somali Student Developmental Skills, Supports, and Aspirations, Given Number of Somali Students in a District

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Acculturation, Multiculturalism, and Positive Youth Development

Abstract

Since 1993 the Somali population in the United States has grown due to ongoing civil instability in Somalia. Among the many refugees, the largest Somali community in the United States resettled to Minnesota. This community includes a growing youth community that experiences a negative climate. In contrast, MN Somali youth report very positive developmental skills, supports and aspirations, higher than most other racial/ethnic groups. Over 3,600 Somali youth responded to the 2016 MN Student Survey, and through multilevel modeling, we estimate important connection between developmental skills and supports with school performance and aspirations, including the role of Somali student enrollment in the school district. Practice and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Carlos Chavez, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Michael C. Rodriguez, University of Minnesota

• Mireya Carmen-Martinez Smith, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Jose Rosalio Palma, The University of Texas at Austin