What Are Chinese Immigrant Parents' Concerns with Their Children's Education?

This study investigated teachers’ experiences of communicating with Chinese immigrant parents. Twenty teachers were recruited for interviews from local schools that had a large enrollment of Chinese immigrant students. Participating teachers reported that Chinese immigrant parents often expect high marks from their children and want to know their child’s ranking in the class. These parents also place pressure on children to achieve parentally established goals. Participating teachers view a well-rounded education as the purpose of schooling, rather than high marks. They were frustrated by parents’ concern over children’s class ranking, and the parental focus on children’s perceived weaknesses. Teachers also reported that Chinese parents should ease the pressure they place on children, suggesting that parents should encourage children to participate in extra-curricular activities. They also suggested that Chinese parents should be more sensitive to their children’s preferences.