In this article, the author elucidates the identity work of Lao American urban, immigrant students, highlighting ambivalent identities that do not fit into notions of bicultural or binary identities. It examines the various discourses and practices that inform and shape the experiences and identities of urban, Lao American high school students. It…

The study described in this paper focuses on English language acquisition by adult Hmong Laotian immigrants in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program in a city in the Northeastern United States. Preexistent levels of literacy and second language familiarity are discounted as influences on the speed of students' acquisition of language.…

Measures of intergenerational solidarity were completed by 60 Laotian refugee and 60 U.S. high school students. The Laotian students scored significantly higher on normative, functional, and structural solidarity. Results support the role of culture in shaping perceived obligations toward aging parents. (SK)

Although the study of delinquency has previously focused on identifying individual, family, peer, and social risk and protective factors, little empirical research has studied cultural factors and their relations to delinquency. In a large community sample of 329 Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian/Mien, and Vietnamese youths, individualism was positively…

This is a guide for teachers and administrators to familiarize them with the Laotian people, language and culture. The first section contains a brief geography and history of Laos, a discussion of the ethnic and lingustic groups of Laos, and information on the economic and religious life of these groups. Section two describes the Laotian refugee…

The article discusses the cultural differences of Americans and Southeast Asians in their child-rearing practices. Guidelines are provided for teachers working with Southeast Asian parents, who may feel shame that their child is identified as handicapped. A chart compares American cultural values with Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian values.…

The concept of adolescence as a period during which certain kinds of behavior are to be expected has become institionalized in the American education system; acceptance of this "rite of passage" creates barriers for adolescent female refugees from the Hmong and Mien hilltribes of Laos, whose cultures do not include the concept of…

A longitudinal study of the economic self-sufficiency and academic achievement of Indochinese refugees, commonly known as "Boat People," concludes that cultural background and family influence play key roles in achievement in American society. Statistical data were drawn from two surveys of 6,775 individuals in 1,384 Chinese, Laotian, and…

Teachers must be sensitive to the diverse cultures and the sometimes difficult personal experiences of Southeast Asian immigrant students. Varied conditions of arrival have a significant impact on their adaption to life in the United States. Earlier Vietnamese immigrants were more educated and Westernized compared to later Vietnamese, Cambodian,…

The report provides background information on the educational needs of disabled South East Asian students and presents four papers from a meeting and workshop on the topic held respectively in March and June of 1985. A draft of an action plan advocated by meeting participants addresses ways to meet five major needs: (1) to obtain information on…

This article explicates the diversity within the Asian American community by focusing on Southeast and South Asian American students. Focusing on these two groups is important given their recent migration (relative to other groups) and tenuous position within Asian American research, discourse, and representation. In particular, this article…

The study of delinquency has focused on examining the relative predictive value of school, parent, and peer contextual variables, but relatively little research has included Chinese and Southeast Asian youth. Using data from a larger, community-based research study with 329 Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian or Mien, and Vietnamese youth, the authors…

The myth of Asians as "the model minority" may hide the instructional needs of Asians and mislead policymakers. There is growing concern that Asians' low verbal scores are masked by their higher than average math scores and high school grade point averages. Principals and key staff at 12 (out of 20) schools identified as having…

This bibliography of 62 citations provides information on the latest research and resources on Indochinese students' cultural adjustment, language needs, and educational needs in the United States. Included are teachers' guides, research reports, and other materials on understanding and teaching Indochinese students, Indochinese culture,…