Academic success and resiliency factors: A case study of unaccompanied immigrant children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify resiliency factors that led to the academic success of three unaccompanied immigrant students in a Texas high school. We used case study methodology to examine the real life context of a phenomenon with data collected from three student participants in their natural settings using interviews, participant observations at school, and photo-elicitation. The findings indicated that internal and external protective factors attributed to the resiliency and school success of the three students who were unaccompanied immigrant children. This study is essential in understanding how resiliency factors impact the academic success of students who are dealing with the challenges of being unaccompanied immigrant children with limited immediate family support and who are English Language Learners (ELLs).