Mong Education at the Crossroads

Mong Education at the Crossroads analyzes the educational situation of Mong-Americans, members of an ethnic tribe that migrated from China to Laos in the eighteenth century and assisted the French and Americans in that area during the twentieth century. The Mong population in the United States is expected to reach 330,000 by 2000, raising concerns for educators in California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan; where large numbers of Mong reside. Paoze Thao provides a thorough history of this group of people, enabling educators to understand the major trends that shaped Mong society, so that they can deal with the cultural and educational adjustment as students acclimate to the United States. Since their resettlement in the United States, the Mong have suffered from tremendous frustration, caused by their illiteracy, lack of formal education, and the language barrier that impeded their ability to contribute to society. Thao makes suggestions for addressing the cultural and educational issues facing the Mong, directed toward each of the parties involved in the education process. In addition to providing ideas for improving the education of the Mong, Thao’s examination provides a definitive study of their cultural adjustment in the United States.