Educational Achievement, Language-Minority Students, and the New Second Generation

Abstract

The increase in immigration since 1965 has given rise to a record number of children who are raised in immigrant families. About one in every five individuals under 18 is either an immigrant or has parents who are immigrants. In spite of the importance of this topic, this group has been a neglected segment of the school population. This article reviews major factors that have contributed to the uneven absorption and educational achievement of the new second generation, who come primarily from Asia and Latin America. These factors include external factors, such as economic opportunities, racial and ethnic status, and group reception, and intrinsic factors, such as human and social capital, family structure, community organization, and cultural and linguistic patterns. The article concludes with suggestions for further research