The Role of the Principal in Facilitating the Inclusion of Elementary Refugee Students

Authors

  • Nathern S. A. Okilwa University of Texas at San Antonio

Keywords:

Refugees, inclusion, integrate, schools, leadership, principal

Abstract

As political and economic instability coupled with natural disasters continue to displace people around the world, migration and resettlement remain necessary. Hosting countries and communities grapple with how to meet the diverse needs of the refugees. Given that over a half of the refugees are under the age of 18 years (i.e., school-age children and youth), schools play a major role in the process of integration in to the new homeland. The purpose of this study was to examine principal leadership efforts to integrate refugee students and their families at Northstar Elementary School. The findings of this study are organized by three themes: fostering new meanings about diversity, promoting inclusive school cultures and instructional programs, and building relationships between schools and communities.

Author Biography

Nathern S. A. Okilwa, University of Texas at San Antonio

Nathern S. A. Okilwa is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His research interests include educational and life outcomes of disadvantaged or underserved or marginalized students; the preparation of school leaders that support diverse learners; and educational policy.

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Published

2018-12-11

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2018): The Importance of Educating Refugees

Section

Theme Articles

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