PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHINESE STUDENTS: ASSIMILATION INTO AMERICAN SOCIETY (MASSACHUSETTS)

This study is to identify and mitigate language and other cultural barriers of Chinese students. The work explores their educational experiences with a view to improving assimilation processes for high school Chinese Americans. The main purpose of this study is to document the expressed perceptions of the Chinese community of students, staff and parents of students in a metropolitan high school, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, as to how the educational process impacts upon the Chinese students\u27 assimilation into the American culture. Researcher ascertains how education at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has affected Chinese students relative to their social integration into American society. The review of the literature exposes a comprehensive picture of Chinese immigration relative to the education of the new Americans. The current news media accounts are pertinent to this study of education and socialization of the Chinese student into the society of the United States of America. The methodology consisted of a questionnaire and interviews of Chinese students, their parents and staff of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. This was conducted with the view in mind of ascertaining the impact of education and society upon the Chinese students. Data are collected through the respondents\u27 answers from the questionnaire and interviews. Conclusions drawn from these data indicate that Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has a working program which includes Chinese students, a program offering them an opportunity to explore courses for academic and social integration. In addition, conclusions indicate that improvement for Chinese students\u27 total education in academic and social settings can be made in curriculum change involving more personal and social interfacing with the community. The study concludes with recommendations for speeding up the speaking of English via changes in English as a Second Language class, formal preparation of Chinese students to enter into the political process, and Chinese student self-esteem for educating the whole person for effective participation in American society