Term

2009

Capstone

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to find out what Somali parents, as Muslims, perceive as the challenges in raising their children in the public schools. In order to find an answer to this question, I interviewed one mother and two teachers. The teachers were asked how they thought the parents of their students felt about the topics addressed. On many issues, all respondents gave similar answers, yet on some topics, they gave very diverse responses. The results indicate that parents have three major concerns. These include the breakdown in the relationship between the parent and child, the inability of parents to understand the educational system in the USA, and the desire of parents to have accommodations in the public schools for their children's religious and cultural beliefs. My conclusion is that in order to help the Somali student succeed in school, schools need to make helping parents a priority.

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