Abstract
This thesis seeks to explore the experiences of Muslim students in college and understand their needs within the education system. Furthermore, it will investigate the factors which shape their academic achievement as well as their lived experiences in school. Insights from this research will help build visibility of Muslim students in academic research and may help schools gain a better understanding on how to better serve their Muslim student population. This research is significant because American Muslims are a marginalized group with little research about their experiences in education. Academic success and resilience have been studied in the context of racial inequality in regard to Latino, Black, and Asian students. However, Muslim student voices are largely absent in these studies. This thesis will be useful for public school teachers and administrators to gain a better understanding of the ways in which they can support Muslim students in the American public-school system.
Research Questions
1. What types of protective factors do Muslims possess for academic resiliency?
2. What factors shape academic success for Muslims?
3. In what ways does gender shape Muslim students’ academic success?
4. What best practices can be employed to ensure that schools are culturally competent in serving Muslim students?