Program
Education Doctorate
Number of Pages
125
Year Approved
2024
First Advisor
Cindy Hansen
Second Reader
Kristen Nichols-Besel
Third Reader
Jen Wilson
Abstract
This study examined the experiences of Hmong American parents who navigate the U.S. public school system through Hmong American charter schools. The purpose of this study was to determine the successes and challenges, as defined and described by Hmong American parents, in the hope of creating a positive and effective educational experience for Hmong families. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was selected to gather the narrative and provide a comprehensive understanding of the parents’ experiences. Through purposive sampling and snowball sampling, 10 Hmong American parents were interviewed for this study. Through the process of verification and credibility and analytical coding, the researcher identified 12 themes. The themes that emerged for success were Welcoming and Inclusive School Culture, Immersion of the Hmong Language and Culture into the Curriculum and School Environment, and Family Outreach Through Various Engagement Methods and Community Resources. The themes that emerged for challenges were Miscommunication, Lack of Extracurricular Opportunities, Low Academic Performance, Lack of Diversity Hindering Hmong American Students, and Retention of Staff and Inexperienced or Uncredentialed Staff. The themes that emerged from the enrollment decision-making process were A Well-Rounded Student and Learning and Preserving the Hmong Language and Culture While Being in Community with Other Hmong Students and Staff. The themes that emerged from the improvement to the current educational system were Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Additional Staff and Resources to Support Students and Parents. In order to meet the educational needs of Hmong Americans, charter and traditional public schools must understand the successes and challenges experienced by Hmong American parents as they navigated the American educational system.
Degree Name
Education Doctorate
Document Type
Doctoral dissertation
Recommended Citation
Thao, L. (2024). The Experiences of Hmong American Parents and Guardians Who Navigate the U.S. Public School System Through Hmong American Charter Schools [Doctoral dissertation, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1095
Terms of Use and License Information
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