A Mixed Method Approach For Assessing the Relationship Between Acculturation and Attitude Toward English and School Success Among Bengali and Dominicans Second Generation Immigrant Middle School Student

There is an increase in immigration into American public school system. However, these new immigrants are not coming from what were perceived to be traditional locations of migration. These new students are coming from various locations. Hence, this has put a strain on the Educational system to keep up with the languages, as well as, how culture will influence the student's ability to acquire new skills (linguistic and socialization) and their willingness to learn in their new environment. Moreover, a greater focus on approaches to reach poorly performing demographics with limited English skills in the school system.;The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between student's levels of Acculturation attitude to English (host culture Language). The research wanted to investigate any correlation between these two components to the students' academic success. This research had utilized a mixed method approach to investigate the impact of Acculturation and Attitude toward English on school success on second generation Immigrants students. The research utilized 77 Dominicans (boys and girls) and 77 Bengali (boys and Girls). The students were given a survey consisting of 38 questions on a Likert scale of 1-5 responses. There were addition demographic questions to help present a broader overall view of the student's world at home and at leisure. There was a small test group (4 from each group) also given an interview to allow for a more authentic voice of the respondents. The interview gave the respondents to save how culture and language are significant from their points of view. Permitting those who will be making a decision(s) about policies; to gain insightful perspective regarding strategies on educational tools implementations.;The finding shows there was significance between the two groups when it came to academics (G.P.A. and attendance). The finding supports previous studies from Bosner (1997) and Rimbaut (1998) on how acculturation impact learning. There were some implications that attribute a small measure of academic life was influenced by the home language. Furthermore, explains how student's perception influence their willingness to transition to the Host culture will have a positive correlation to academic success.