Educational experiences of immigrant students from the former Soviet Union: a case study of an ethnic school in Toronto

Abstract

This paper explores the academic and psychosocial outcomes of immigrant students from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in an ethnic school in Toronto. Based on interviews with the principal, teachers, students and parents, together with questionnaire responses, the paper describes school programmes and practices that contribute to FSU immigrant students' high academic achievement, within the categories of curriculum, pedagogy, discipline policy and teacher–student relationships. The creation of this ethnic school suggests that Canada's educational system has not met the needs of the immigrant group. The paper seeks to further understanding of educating FSU immigrant students, and discusses the implications of ethnic schools for educating children in a multicultural society.

Keywords:

• Academic achievement
• Immigrants
• Ethnic groups

Notes

Chekhov is a pseudonym I chose for this school to ensure informants' anonymity.