Final answer:
Asian Americans' strong academic performance is influenced by factors such as access to quality resources and teachers, cultural practices fostering resilience and work ethic, and the 'model minority' stereotype that creates high expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
One factor affecting the strong academic performance of Asian Americans is the unequal distribution of educational resources, including money and quality teachers. In contrast to the situation in the United States, where resources are not distributed equitably, top-ranking countries such as Shanghai and Singapore show that limited access to resources does not necessarily predict low performance. Furthermore, these countries have a high proportion of 'resilient students'—those who achieve at a higher level than one might expect given their social background, which is about 70 percent compared to below 30 percent in the United States. This resilience is potentially bolstered by cultural factors, including the intense work ethic derived from practices such as wet rice farming, which requires diligent work and has historically been linked to a community's ability to engage in laborious tasks, such as excelling in math. Another influence on the academic success of Asian Americans could be the prevailing stereotype of the 'model minority.' This stereotype can create unrealistic expectations and pressure to succeed academically, although it can also mask the need for government assistance and lead to educational and professional discrimination for those who do not meet these expectations. Despite the challenges posed by these stereotypes, the strong community and family emphasis on education and the high expectations from within the community can contribute to the academic achievements of Asian American students.