Supporting Marginalized Children: Challenges of Three U.S. Principals

• In Event: 68.015 - Pathways to Improving Opportunity for Marginalized Children in International Contexts

Abstract

This qualitative cross case study documents the challenges of three US principals in their work to support the education of marginalized children. John works with students living in poverty in rural areas and faces the ensuing problems associated with poverty. While William faces the educational challenges of English as a Second Language students, Jesse must balance the needs of LGBT students and the strongly conservative community who wish to more greatly marginalize these children. This paper will examine how each principal addressed the needs of these children in the midst of macro and micro barriers. Findings show that while each principal approached the challenges in different ways through structures and processes, all principals demonstrated the same internal values that guided their efforts.

Authors

• Pamela S. Angelle, The University of Tennessee

• Lee D. Flood, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

• Alex Nathan Oldham, Knox County Public Schools