We're Not Even Allowed to Ask for Help Debunking the Myth of the Model Minority

Asian Pacific Americans are the fastest growing population in New York City. Over one million constitute 13% of the population and nearly 14% of the city's public school students. Education experts concur that the public school system faces significant challenges in effectively serving the growing Asian Pacific American community in New York City. The Model Minority Myth homogenizes the diversity of cultures, languages, economics, and unique histories of Asian Pacific American communities. This stereotype trivializes the academic and developmental needs of Asian Pacific American children. While mainstream media focuses on the Asian Pacific American students who attend New York City's specialized high schools, "We're Not Even Allowed to Ask for Help": Debunking the Myth of the Model Minority focuses on the other 95% of Asian Pacific American students. "We're Not Even Allowed to Ask for Help" addresses the issues faced by Asian Pacific American students striving and struggling to get an education in New York City public schools. This report provides data about the challenges in school climate that Asian Pacific American students are facing as well as the effects of poverty on Asian Pacific American students' education.