Micronesian students' school experience in Hawai'i: A case study of ecological systems

This qualitative case study is an in-depth description of the ecological systems of four Micronesian youth who were English language learners who also either (a) received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or (b) was referred for evaluation for possible eligibility for special education services, or (c) was considered for evaluation. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. Bronfenbrenner (1979) saw the environment as a series of settings or contexts for development. The contexts are embedded in environmental systems that interact with one another and with the child to influence development. The purpose of the study was to identify strengths and resources for four Micronesian youth. Descriptive narrative was used to describe the systems, the environments or contexts of each student. Research methods included a review of student records, observations, field notes, recorded interview, non-recorded interviews, and a review of photographs which were taken by the student participants.