Equitable Access to Educational Resources and Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Political Refugee Parents' Perspective

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Diverse Parent Perspectives of Their Children's Access to Resources, Funding, and Support (Table 8)

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic challenged many students and their families to adapt to new ways of learning and to find support for their educational needs. This study explores newcomer political refugee parents’ perspectives on access to educational resources and support and examines educational inequities, opportunities, and resource gaps during the pandemic. With seven refugee parents from four states, qualitative findings showed that online learning affected children’s socialization, academic performances, and study habits. It also highlighted emerging inequities non-English speaking refugee parents experienced when seeking and receiving support for urgent educational needs. Implications for teachers, teacher educators, and school leaders and policies, this study provides insights to develop holistic strategies to sustain equity in accessing resources and support for refugee parents.

Authors

• Mehtap AKAY, Montclair State University
  Presenting Author

• Saliha Al, University of Rochester
  Presenting Author