Best Practices of Educational Leaders and Experiences of First-Generation Muslim Students in High School

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring How the Religious Experiences and Beliefs of Students, Families, and Communities Impact Student Success

Abstract

First generation Muslim immigrants who we serve in our schools have increased. This qualitative study explored the best practices educational leaders can utilize in supporting Muslim students by interviewing both Muslim students and principals, and comparing their perspectives. Findings show that student support groups, restorative justice practices, making connections with caring adults, and developing cultural awareness about religious practices can all contribute to a better school experience. Muslim students also face acts of intolerance from both peers and adults at school, and find that their cultural identity is misrepresented in the high school curriculum. Implications include looking through the lens of culturally proficient practices to evaluate school policies, conducting full curriculum audits, and incorporating cultural bias training in schools.

Author

• Carolyn Danielle Gass, Somis Union School District