The Repository @ St. Cloud State

Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

12-2017

Culminating Project Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Educational Administration and Leadership, K-12: Ed.D.

Department

Educational Administration and Higher Education

College

School of Education

First Advisor

John Eller

Second Advisor

Kay Worner

Third Advisor

Roger Worner

Fourth Advisor

Frances Kayona

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Keywords and Subject Headings

Language immersion education, Chinese immersion programs, Parent's perceptions

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to gain information from parents who had enrolled their child/children in selected Chinese language immersion programs during 2016-2017 school year in Minnesota. The study aimed to explore parents’ motivations and perceptions of Chinese immersion programs in Minnesota. By exploring parents’ perceptions, the Chinese immersion programs’ strengths and potential improvements were identified. The findings of the study were shared with Chinese immersion programs’ administrators, teachers, and parents to improve their awareness about Chinese immersion programs in Minnesota. The findings of the study were used to supplement the gap in the literature related to parents’ perceptions of Chinese immersion programs in Minnesota. In addition, the results of the study may be used by parents who plan to enroll their children in Chinese immersion programs to make their final decisions.

Comments/Acknowledgements

The process of completing my dissertation has been a very rewarding experience, which would not have been possible without the help of several people who played influential roles in my success. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to those individuals.

First, I wish to thank my professors and dissertation committee for the hours you provided to guide me through this process. Your advice and feedback greatly enhanced my program of study. A special acknowledgement to my dissertation committee chair, Dr. John Eller, for your constant support and encouragement during this dissertation process. I would like to thank the members of my dissertation committee, Dr. Kay Worner, Dr. Roger Worner, and Dr. Kayona. I have been fortunate and grateful to have this exceptional group of educators providing direction and advice throughout this journey.

To my husband Dongxiao Hao and daughter Yu Hao, I am so thankful for your love and support. You were so thoughtful and patient with me as I worked through the dissertation process. To my mom, younger brother and sister back home China, thanks for always supporting me. I am so proud of all of you.

Lastly, I would like to thank all parents who participated in this study for their time, their interest, and openness.

The completion of this dissertation journey was based on the help and support of many people who deserve my gratitude. I deeply appreciate your support and encouraging words from each of you again.

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