Transforming Catholic Education: The Impact of Asylum-Seeking Migrant Students on Catholic School Mission and Culture

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Trends and Populations With Catholic Education (Table 3)

Abstract

This study examines the transformative effects of integrating asylum-seeking migrant students into Catholic schools through a university partnership model. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates changes in school culture, faculty perspectives, and organizational structures. Data from surveys, interviews, and focus groups across multiple dioceses reveal significant shifts in cultural awareness and inclusivity. Key findings indicate enhanced faculty engagement, united school cultures, and improved support systems for students with trauma. However, challenges in addressing complex student needs and providing adequate faculty support are also identified. This research contributes to the literature on Catholic education's role in social justice and offers empirically grounded strategies for creating more inclusive, responsive educational environments in the face of demographic changes and global migration patterns.

Author

• Donna Kiel, DePaul University