Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Leadership and Innovation
First Advisor
Robert Calvert
First Committee Member
Martin Martinez
Second Committee Member
Bryce Geigle
Abstract
This qualitative descriptive study explores the lived experiences of immigrant high school students at a suburban school in Northern California. The focus is primarily on understanding how they navigate their educational journey and construct their sense of belonging. Immigrant students face numerous challenges due to many factors, including language barriers, cultural differences, social integration, and concerns regarding immigration status, which can significantly impact their academic progress and well-being. Using a qualitative descriptive study approach, this study amplifies student voices through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with students in grades 10 and 11, enabling them to share personal stories that shape their perceptions of belonging. Guided by Baumeister and Leary’s (1995) Sense of Belonging Theory, the study analyzes student voice using Johnny Saldana’s coding methods to identify themes and patterns across the various participants.
Pages
98
Recommended Citation
Singh, Sonam (2026). Understanding the Lived Experiences of Immigrant Students and Their Sense of Belonging. University of the Pacific, Dissertation. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/4343
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Other Education Commons, Secondary Education Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons
Rights Statement
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