Chapter 2: The Other Other: Micronesians in a Hawai‘i High School¹

This paper describes how a group of Micronesian students is faring at one Hawai‘i high school. It argues that their position in the school as “the other Other” derives from educators’ and mostly East and Southeast Asian classmates’ lack of understanding about the area. Following a brief discussion of US policy regarding Micronesia, and formal education in the region, students’ general struggles with the high school curriculum and instruction are described. Micronesian students’ relationships with their teachers and classmates is also considered. The paper concludes with recommendations that educators might employ in an effort to effectively work with this population.