Haitian Adult Immigrants As Learners and Parents Dayana Octavien Philippi Walden University
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 Haitian Adult Immigrants as Learners and Parents Dayana Octavien Philippi Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Adult and Continuing Education Administration Commons, Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching Commons, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, and the Family, Life Course, and Society Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University COLLEGE OF EDUCATION This is to certify that the doctoral study by Dayana Octavien Philippi has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Paul Englesberg, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Mari Tinney, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Tammy Hoffman, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2016 Abstract Haitian Adult Immigrants as Learners and Parents by Dayana Octavien Philippi MA, University of Bath, 2007 BA, University of South Florida, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University August 2016 Abstract Haitian immigrant parents often face challenges to visibly engage in their children’s education in the United States due to social, cultural, and economic factors. This study addressed parent involvement (PI) among Haitian immigrant parents of adolescents in a Florida community. The purpose of this exploratory, multiple-case study was to better understand connections between immigrant Haitian parents’ beliefs and learning experiences and their experiences supporting their adolescents’ learning. Three research questions were developed to explore Haitian adults’ lived experiences and perceptions of themselves as keepers of knowledge and as learners, their experiences and perceived roles as parents, and the resources they possessed that could increase PI. The conceptual framework included social constructs of family literacy, new literacy studies, and funds of knowledge. Nine Haitian parents of teenage children and 3 educators and liaisons from the community were selected for interviews. Qualitative data analysis included open coding, theme identification, and triangulation of data from an archival PI survey. Findings indicated that adults’ experiences with learning at home and learning at school influenced their perceived parenting roles and self-efficacy at home, the type of PI in which they engaged, and future aspirations for their children. Results were used to develop a white paper aimed at community stakeholders to enhance educators’ and social service providers’ cultural knowledge of Haitian families and to promote two-way communication. The project may encourage the development of culturally responsive PI strategies and adult learning opportunities benefiting local and trans-national Haitian communities throughout the United States. Haitian Adult Immigrants as Learners and Parents by Dayana Octavien Philippi MA, University of Bath, 2007 BA, University of South Florida, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University August 2016 Dedication This study is dedicated first and foremost to my parents, Stephen and Philmene Octavien. Thank you for your investments of love, energy, time, and money in me. You have inspired me to new heights. May God continue to bless us with your presence here on Earth. To my loving husband, Salem, please know that your long-suffering has not been in vain. I look forward to spending more quality time with you and the boys, undisturbed by guilt-riddled thoughts that I should be reading, researching, or writing something…not enjoying ice cream on the beach. To our four sons, Shiloh, Brockton, Jahkaree, and Jahrew, this study is for you. As third generation youth, you have no excuses. Always strive and aspire to greatness! To adult educators Suze Lindor and Ron Luehman, thank you for setting me on my bend toward adult education. May you rest in peace. Finally, to all immigrant parents out there who are striving to make a better life for their children, thank you for your selflessness and sacrifice. Remain steadfast in your beliefs, vigilant in the oversight of your homes, and firm in your spiritual convictions. One day your children will see with new eyes all that you have done on their behalf, and they too shall give thanks. Acknowledgments I want to thank God, first and foremost, for being the author and finisher of my life and this study. Without His still, small voice, this work, which is the foundation of my ministry, could not be. To Dr. Englesberg, who had the patience of an angel, and the insight of a prophet, thank you. Your research interests and personality made it very easy for me to share my ideas, struggles, and hopes. May God bless you and your family. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Tinney for coming on board as my second member. Your positivity, encouragement, and excitement about my work were unmatched. I would also like to thank Dr. Etienne, Dr. Ricciardelli, my sisters Stephena, Joselande, Anna, Jessica, and Christina, and my closest friends Linda, Karoline, Chandra, Tabitha, and Althea for their support and encouragement over the many years. You ladies rock! To my brothers, big and small, Fritz, Achille, and Steven, thanks for the random phone calls and visits that always seemed to brighten my day. To my past track and field coaches, Butts, Greg, Don, Heather, Colin, and Ken, thank you for giving me the competitive edge both on and off the field. Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii Section 1: The Problem ........................................................................................................1 Definition of the Problem ..............................................................................................3 Rationale ........................................................................................................................4 Evidence of the Problem at the Local Level ........................................................... 4 Evidence of the Problem from the Professional Literature ..................................... 7 Definition of Terms........................................................................................................9 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................10 Guiding Questions .......................................................................................................11 Review of the Literature ..............................................................................................13 Conceptual Framework ......................................................................................... 14 Immigrant Adult Learners..................................................................................... 22 Parent Involvement in the Education of Adolescents ........................................... 31 Social and Cultural Factors Impacting Parent Involvement ................................. 35 Immigrant Haitian Adults and Their Children ...................................................... 47 Overview of the Literature .................................................................................... 65 Research Application ...................................................................................................66 Summary ......................................................................................................................68 Section 2: The Methodology ..............................................................................................70 Multiple Case Study Research Design and Approach .................................................70 Participants and Sample Size .......................................................................................72 i Sampling Techniques ............................................................................................ 73 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................75 Ethical Considerations .......................................................................................... 77 Data Collection ............................................................................................................78 Interviews and Parent Involvement Survey District Reports ................................ 78 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................83 Analysis Techniques ............................................................................................. 83 Data Presentation .................................................................................................