"Why do the Asian Americans do so much better in school, graduating more often and continuing through college more often?"

The roles and responsibilies in Chinese families are very clearly defined. If you are a Chinese student, you don't have to do anything other than study. Your food is prepared for you, your laundry is taken care of, you aren't expected to work and you don't have to care for little brothers and sisters. You are an investment for the future. With everything being provided for you, you are expected to do well.

If all family systems were as effecient, their children would also be excellent students.