In Their Own Words: The Impact of Newcomer School Policies on Students in Central Texas

• In Event: Educational Leadership Geographies: Considerations of Space, Place, and Context

Abstract

This study draws from the perspectives of the students to examine the impact of the policies and practices of a newcomer high school in Central Texas that offers 9th and 10th grade. Drawing from year-long observation data and interviews with sophomore students, teachers, and administrators, this study found that many of the existing school policies and structures led to the hypersegregation of the immigrant students and the teachers becoming gatekeepers of information. The students did not know the high school graduation or college entrance requirements and had not developed a modicum of English language proficiency. The findings point to the need to revisit the newcomer school policies and practices to ensure these don’t inadvertently perpetuate inequality.

Authors

• Brenda Rubio, University of North Texas
  Presenting Author

• Zohreh Farahmandpour, University of North Texas
  Presenting Author