The Southeast Asian American Education Gap
In December of 2008, the Washington State Legislature funded the study of Asian Americans in the State’s public schools. The findings suggest that there are distinct achievement gaps – or opportunity gaps, as it often referred to today – throughout the Asian American community, in particular Southeast Asian American students. Subgroups such as Cambodian (6.6%), Hmong (10.7%), and Laotian American (5%) students bachelor’s degree attainment rate are far below the national average (27.7%). The report recommendations – based on high poverty, limited English proficiency, and other factors – were strengthening of school-community partnerships and the creation of a seamless pipeline from primary education through higher education.
Southeast Asian American Education Summit and Your Support
As a school staff/administrator, parent, student, or community leader, your expertise and support is needed. A grass-roots coalition of educational professionals and community leaders has begun the dialogue to address the Southeast Asian American educational gap. Collaborative partnerships with school staff, community organizations, and families will need to take place so all can come together and be heard. Our hope is that this work will culminate with a Southeast Asian American Education Summit in Fall of 2012.
Goals:
The goal of the event is to bring Southeast Asian American high school students, middle school students, and their families together to initiate the dialogue of higher education. We hope to create awareness, not just within the Southeast Asian American community, but also for professionals who are working with our students daily. It is the opportunity for us to connect and build a coalition for educational advancement of this underrepresented and invisible community.
Join Us - The Planning Committee:
Your Support is essential. The Co-Chairs Ay Saechao, Ekk Sisavatdy, Kao Saechao invite you to join us through the planning of this initiative. Your feedback, expertise, resources, and time will help establish an educational pipeline for Southeast Asian American students and families.
Summit Planning Committee Meeting:
Date: Thursday, March 22nd
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Highline Community College, Building- Building 6, Rm 151
RSVP: Contact Kao Saechao ksaechao@highline.edu
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