Border Crossers: Perceptions and Experiences of Teachers and Leaders Working in the Early College High School Environment

• In Event: Roundtable Session 53
  In Roundtable Session: Politics of Social Integration: Incarceration and Opportunity

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to understand the perceptions and experiences of teachers and school leaders who currently work, or who have formerly worked, in an early college high school (ECHS)—a new educational border. Twenty-seven current or former ECHS teachers and school leaders were interviewed. Qualitative analyses revealed that some participants perceived a stressful and challenging work environment that at times faltered from its driving mission. The findings encourage us to trouble the effectiveness of this intervention. Theoretically, advocates may easily embrace the ECHS concept in terms of social justice and equity. Yet practically, the intervention may not prove to be as effective as planned due to challenges faced by those working on this unique educational border.

Author

• Leslie Ann Locke, University of Iowa