Intake and Enrollment: Within-State Policy Variation Regarding Adolescent Newcomers

• In Event: 47.058 - Educational Policies Shaping Bilingual/Dual-Language Education

Abstract

Schools play an important role in the reception of adolescent newcomers. This inquiry examines the policy and practical elements of intake and enrollment across five districts. Interviews reveal that cross-district variation in the types and breadth of information gathered, as well the degree of centralization. Interviewees share common challenges in the processing of transcripts and awarding of credit, as well as a lack of structure and policy regulation in the intake process. Strong elements include deliberate attention to engaging the family and having designated, trained personnel to conduct intake and enrollment interviews. These findings illuminate the variation that exists across a single state in the intake process, while also highlighting shared challenges and strong practices.

Author

• Lorna Porter, University of Oregon