Navigating the Educational Landscape: A Guide for Immigrant Parents to Prevent Student Disengagement
Based on an article by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, published in The Atlantic ( click here to read the full article, https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/02/nih-grant-freeze-biomedical-research/681853/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=One+Story+to+Read+Today+%28V3%29)
As an immigrant parent, you’ve made incredible sacrifices to bring your family to the U.S. You’ve worked hard, faced challenges, and built a foundation for your children to have a better future. But there’s one thing that could quietly derail that future: letting your kids slide into Passenger Mode in school.
According to Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop’s research, many kids start off loving school, but by middle and high school, their interest fades. They attend, they do their homework, and they may even get decent grades—but they’re disengaged. They’re coasting, not actively learning or pushing themselves. This disengagement has long-term consequences: when kids aren’t truly engaged in learning, they don’t develop the skills and habits needed to succeed beyond school.
Why Education Must Be a Family Priority
In many immigrant households, parents may face challenges in supporting their children's education due to limited personal educational experiences or unfamiliarity with the American school system.
However, in the U.S., education is a collaborative effort between schools and families. Your involvement is crucial in ensuring your child values learning and remains engaged, even during challenging times. Here's how you can actively contribute:
1) Setting High Expectations
Clearly communicate to your child that education is a top priority and non-negotiable.
Research indicates that immigrant parents often have higher educational aspirations for their children compared to native-born parents, which positively influences academic achievement. By expressing your belief in their potential and setting ambitious yet attainable goals, you motivate your child to strive for excellence. This encouragement fosters resilience and a strong work ethic, essential for overcoming academic challenges.
2) Checking In Regularly
Engage in meaningful conversations about your child's daily learning experiences. Instead of the routine "How was school?", delve deeper with questions like, "What new concept did you find interesting today?" This approach demonstrates your genuine interest and encourages your child to reflect on their learning. Regular check-ins also provide opportunities to identify and address any difficulties they may be encountering, reinforcing the idea that education is a shared journey.
3) Providing Structure at Home
Establish a consistent routine that allocates specific times for studying, recreation, and rest. A structured environment helps your child develop time management skills and reduces procrastination. Minimize distractions during study periods by creating a quiet, well-lit space designated for learning. This setup signals the importance of education and enhances concentration, leading to improved academic performance.
4) Seeking Help When Needed
It's natural to encounter subjects or assignments where you may feel unable to provide direct assistance. In such cases, proactively seek external resources. Connect with teachers to discuss your child's progress and inquire about additional support or tutoring programs the school may offer. Many communities have organizations dedicated to assisting immigrant families in navigating the educational system. For instance, AVANCE is a non-profit organization that provides free parenting and early childhood education programs to low-income, predominantly Hispanic families, empowering parents to support their children's learning effectively.
By embracing these strategies, you create a supportive and enriching environment that underscores the value of education.
Your active participation not only enhances your child's academic success but also instills a lifelong love of learning.
What Doesn’t Work? Nagging.
Many parents, when they see their kids disengaged, start nagging: 'Do your homework!' 'Pay attention!' 'You have to study for your test!' But research shows that nagging doesn’t motivate kids in the long run. In fact, it can make them shut down even more.
Instead, Anderson and Winthrop suggest a better approach—helping kids develop autonomy and responsibility over their learning. That means guiding them to make their own plans, organize their own study time, and take ownership of their education.
For example, rather than saying, 'You need to study for your history test!' try:
'What’s your plan for preparing for your test?'
'Do you think you have everything you need to do well?'
'How can I support you?'
This shifts the responsibility to your child while showing that you care. And if they fail a quiz or don’t do well on an assignment? That’s okay. Let them feel the consequences and learn from them. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping them develop the skills to manage their education independently.
A Word of Caution: Take Studies Like This with a Grain of Salt
Instead of taking every study at face value, Attorney Amba encourages immigrant families to trust their own experiences, cultural values, and instincts when guiding their children’s education. However, he also emphasizes the importance of recognizing when they may lack expertise in a particular area and seeking out guidance from those who do—preferably other immigrants who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
Recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of immigrant students ensures that advice is applied in a way that is relevant and effective for their success, while also leveraging the collective wisdom of the community.
Attorney Amba speaks from experience. When he arrived in the U.S. as a 5th grader in 1999, he did not speak English. Yet, within two years, he tested out of ESL classes, went on to take AP and honors classes in high school, then attended college, an elite law school, and built a successful legal career, now heading his own law firm. That journey wasn’t by chance—it was because his father instilled in him the value of education early on. When Attorney Amba failed first grade in Ethiopia in the late mid to late 1990s, his father disciplined him and made him repeat the year to ensure he understood the importance of school. Once in the U.S., his father’s brother took on the responsibility of making sure that mindset never faded.
Because of this, the advice from researchers “not to nag” doesn’t ring true for Attorney Amba. Until the value of education is fully ingrained in a child, parents must use the methods that are part of their culture and tradition to reinforce its importance.
Every family has its way of ensuring success, and immigrant parents must do what they know works, even if it doesn’t align with mainstream parenting advice.
Get Support: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
For many immigrant parents, helping with school can feel overwhelming—especially if English isn’t your first language or you didn’t attend school in the U.S. But there are resources available:
Talk to teachers – Teachers want to help, but they can’t if they don’t know what’s going on at home.
Look for free tutoring programs – Many schools, libraries, and community centers offer tutoring, sometimes even in different languages.
Encourage peer support – Older siblings, cousins, or family friends who have gone through the U.S. school system can mentor younger students.
Use online resources – Websites like Khan Academy, YouTube educational channels, and library programs can be great tools for kids to get extra help.
Amba Law is Here to Help
Amba Law understands that raising a child in a new country presents unique challenges, especially when navigating the educational system. We are committed to supporting immigrant parents by offering services tailored to their children's educational needs, ensuring they have access to transformative opportunities for success.
1) School Selection Support
Choosing the right educational environment is crucial. We assist families in exploring and applying to esteemed institutions such as Preuss School UCSD and SDUSD Choice Schools.
Preuss School UCSD: A charter school affiliated with the University of California, San Diego, serving low-income students who will be the first in their families to attend college. It offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum, small class sizes, and direct access to UCSD resources, providing an unparalleled academic foundation that can open doors to top universities. For immigrant families seeking strong educational support in a challenging yet nurturing environment, Preuss can be a game-changer.
Click on the photo or description below to learn more about this service!
SDUSD Choice Schools: This program allows families within the San Diego Unified School District to apply for enrollment in schools outside their neighborhood zones, offering access to specialized programs, magnet schools, and higher-performing institutions that might not be available in a student's immediate area. For immigrant families seeking the best possible education for their children, this flexibility can be crucial in finding a school that aligns with their child's strengths and aspirations.
Click on the photo or description below to learn more about this service!
2) Parent-Teacher Conference Assistance
Parental involvement in education, such as attending parent-teacher conferences, plays a pivotal role in enhancing student success and fostering accountability among educators. When parents actively engage with teachers and school officials, it creates a collaborative environment that emphasizes the shared responsibility for a child's academic progress. This partnership not only motivates students but also encourages teachers to maintain high standards, knowing that their efforts are observed and valued by invested parents. Moreover, regular communication between parents and educators ensures that any concerns are promptly addressed, promoting a culture of transparency and continuous improvement within the school community. Ultimately, such active parental engagement serves as a catalyst for educational excellence, benefiting students, teachers, and the broader school system.
Effective communication with educators is vital for a child's academic progress. Recognizing that language barriers and unfamiliarity with the school system can hinder this communication, Amba Law offers support by:
Attending Conferences: We accompany parents to parent-teacher conferences, ensuring they have an advocate present to facilitate discussions.
Providing Translation Services: Understanding the nuances of educational feedback is essential. We provide translators to accurately convey teachers' insights and recommendations, ensuring parents fully grasp areas where their child excels and where improvement is needed.
Developing Action Plans: Post-conference, we assist in creating actionable strategies based on teachers' feedback, empowering parents to support their child's learning journey effectively.
Scholarship and College Application Assistance
Our goal is to demystify the path to higher education, at all levels, making it accessible and attainable for every student.
3) Scholarship and College Application Assistance
Applying for college and scholarships can be overwhelming, particularly for immigrant families unfamiliar with the process. Amba Law provides hands-on support to guide families through every step, from researching scholarships tailored for first-generation students to crafting compelling personal statements and preparing for interviews.
Navigating the complexities of college applications and securing financial aid can be daunting, particularly for families unfamiliar with the U.S. education system. Amba Law provides comprehensive support by:
·Identifying Opportunities: We research and pinpoint scholarships and grants tailored to students from immigrant backgrounds, ensuring families are aware of all available financial resources.
·Application Guidance: From crafting compelling personal statements to organizing necessary documentation, we guide students through each step of the application process.
·Interview Preparation: We offer coaching and mock interviews to build confidence and enhance students' presentation skills, crucial for scholarship and college admissions interviews.
Attorney Amba’s Personal Journey: The Power of Community and Mentorship
Attorney Amba’s success is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and the support of teachers and professors who saw his potential. Despite arriving in the U.S. as a 5th grader who did not speak English, he was able to test out of ESL within two years. Thanks to dedicated teachers and school staff, he thrived in public high school and college, taking advanced courses that prepared him for the next level; they also assisted him in securing about half a dozen or so scholarships.
Once in college, Attorney Amba again leaned on professors, mentors, and educational resources to propel himself into a prestigious private law school with a healthy scholarship. This foundation not only gave him the academic tools to succeed but also shaped him into the attorney and professional he is today.
His journey underscores the importance of having access to the right educational support, and that’s exactly what Amba Law aims to provide for immigrant families.
By helping parents and students navigate the complexities of education in America, we ensure that no child is left behind simply because their family is new to this country.
Let us partner with you to ensure your child receives every opportunity to succeed in their new home.
Final Message: Your Child’s Success Starts with You
As an immigrant parent, you can’t afford to let your child drift through school in Passenger Mode. You don’t need to be an expert in math, science, or English to make a difference. What matters is that you set expectations, stay involved, and help them build the mindset and skills to succeed.
As an immigrant parent, your journey has been marked by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to your family's future. You've overcome immense challenges to provide your children with opportunities you may not have had. Now, it's imperative to channel that same determination into their education.
Remember, your active involvement is a powerful catalyst for your child's success. By setting high expectations, engaging in meaningful conversations, establishing a structured home environment, and seeking assistance when necessary, you lay a robust foundation for their academic and personal growth.
Your experiences and cultural values are invaluable assets. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to reach out for support. Organizations like Amba Law are here to assist you in navigating the educational landscape, ensuring your child has access to life-changing opportunities.
Your journey to this country was filled with challenges, but you faced them head-on. Now, your role is to ensure your child doesn't just get by in school but actively engages and takes charge of their future. In America, education isn't just an option—it's the key to everything.
Embrace this responsibility with the same courage and dedication that brought you here. Together, we can transform your sacrifices into a legacy of success and empowerment for your children.
Remember, for immigrants, education is not just a priority—it is survival.
