Describes the issues facing Asian American students and their families, which often are poorly understood or overlooked. Sponsored by the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, this report focuses on Asian American students in New York City public schools, who account for more than 12 percent of the student body. The stereotype of Asian Americans as a homogeneous group of academic success stories prevents recognition of any academic and emotional struggles that these students face. The diversity of ethnicities, cultures, languages, and experiences in the Asian American community also complicates outreach efforts. Educators and policymakers get information on such topics as: (1) the demographics of the Asian American population in New York City; (2) family expectations regarding education, the impact of stereotypes on learning, and curriculum and extracurricular concerns; (3) ethnic identity development and experiences of harassment; (4) barriers to parent involvement; and (5) challenges to community participation. New York City schools must take the lead in meeting the educational needs of this diverse population. Schools must be given the resources to equip their Asian American students with the necessary skills for academic success and prepare them to be fully contributing members of society. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Why Must We Now Look Carefully At Education? The Coalition’s Methods Who are Asian Americans? Who are Our Asian American Students? Where are Our Asian American Students? ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE Family Expectation of Education Focus on Research: Relative Functionalism Impact of Stereotypes on Learning Testing Rates Dropouts and Push-outs English Language Learners Special Education Curriculum and Extracurricular Concerns Beyond High School RECOMMENDATIONS: ACADEMICS INFORMAL EDUCATION Character Development Ethnic Identity development Lack of Asian American Presence in Curriculum Social Interaction Harassment RECOMMENDATIONS: INFORMAL EDUCATION PARENT INVOLVEMENT Barriers to Involvement Focus on Research: Differences in Parental Involvement RECOMMENDATIONS: PARENT INVOLVEMENT COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION Building upon Trust Challenges to Partnerships RECOMMENDATIONS: COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SPECIAL ISSUE: EDUCATION AND CHILD WELFARE CONCLUSION ENDNOTES TABLE OF FIGURES APPENDIX: Ethnic Identity Development Process