McNair Scholar 2021 - Angelily J. Rasivong
Angelily J. Rasivong is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, majoring in Family social science. Her research interests focus on Southeast Asian immigrants and refugee’s education and lifestyles.
Quote from Angelily J. Rasivong
My dream is to be able to work with different groups of people of all sorts of background. I dream to be involved in a community where I can help and support those in need.
Research project
What Immigrant Parents Do to Support Their Children's Education: Exploring the Experiences of Hmong Parents in Charter Schools
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges Hmong American parents in charter schools face as they support their children’s education. This study included 24 Hmong American parents (15 mothers and 9 fathers) in four charter schools that focus on Hmong language and culture in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Qualitative analysis found four major challenges faced by Hmong American parents in this study as they attempt to get involved in their children’s schooling on a day-to-day basis. The challenges include living in a hurried life, barriers to homework assistance, lack of spousal support, and having multiple children at home. The study ends with some implications for teachers who work with Hmong American parents in charter schools.
Faculty mentor
Dr. Zha Blong Xiong is currently an Associate Professor in the department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Xiong received his B.A. degree from Winona State University in 1992, and his M.A. in 1997 and Ph.D. in 2000 from the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. His research interests focus on the influence of family, school and/or community on immigrant and refugee children’s adjustment and academic achievement. Dr. Xiong has been a McNair faculty mentor for multiple years.