Assimilation Research Paper

There can be many factors leading to our English language learner’s poor test scores. Many people believe that assimilation is the best way for immigrants to learn English and understand the American school system better. Assimilation involves leaving your previous language and culture behind, and fully embracing the new culture and language that you find yourself in. Research shows that assimilation is not the way to go, but immigrants and schools should steer toward acculturation. Acculturation recognizes that cultures are constantly changing and adapting. People should be able to make choices for themselves regarding their culture, and especially students should be able to choose who they are going to become and be given a chance to create

Young adolescents have a self-evaluative nature and their constant self-criticism leads to lower self-esteem in those who begin to see the differences between themselves and their white, American classmates (Brown). These young adolescents have to learn English while trying to work through the middle level years of finding their identity, adding additional obstacles to the list of already overwhelming challenges. For example, the students’ immigration status is one thing that can strongly influence their cultural identity and their sense of security. If a student is worried about their parents or themselves being forced to leave the country, it can be very challenging for them to pay attention in class or stay motivated to do work outside of school. Even being a legal immigrant can come with its difficulties. How members of society, both inside and outside of school, view immigrants and refugees can also affect a student’s educational experiences (Walqui). A student’s immigration status is far from the only reason that these students may be testing below students in the mainstream