Academic Success: Parental Involvement Pays
Off, Research Study Finds

Schneider, B., & Lee, Y., "A model for academic success: The school and home environment of East Asian students," Anthropology & Education Quarterly, 1990, vol. 21, 358-377:

Barbara Schneider and Yongsook Lee compared the academic performance of East Asian American school students to that of Anglo American students (whites whose ancestors immigrated from Western or Northern Europe). Excluded from both groups were students in special classes who had learning disabilities or physical handicaps. Both groups were compared as to their ability in the Latin alphabet.

Data collected indicated that East Asian academic performance on achievement tests and report card grades was higher than that of the Anglo students in all areas, with the exception of language skills. Differences in language performance could be attributed to the fact that many of the East Asian students were at a disadvantage because their parents did not speak English.

Schneider and Lee found only cultural differences — all related to parental involvement — to explain the East Asian Americans being superior to the Anglo Americans. For example, 22 out of 37 of the East Asian parents reported that they had spent time teaching their children reading, writing, and simple arithmetic skills before entering kindergarten. Only 4 out of 25 Anglo parents indicated that they had engaged in similar activities. East Asian parents closely monitored and controlled their children's use of time on academic and social pursuits and they placed high value on education. "There is nothing without education," one parent remarked. "Education is more important than money."