The (Hindered) Impact of Teachers on Forced Im/migrant Students: Data Gaps and Policy Outcomes

• In Event: Equity Audits: Using Data Tools to Gain Parity

Abstract

Research identifies a gap between: (a) teacher preparation polices, (b) teacher training and practice, and (c) the diverse challenges and unique needs of adolescent immigrants and migrants (i.e., im/migrants), and more specifically, forced im/migrants in secondary schools. This makes identifying forced im/migrant students difficult, or impossible, without a cross-state or national strategy for systematically collecting standardized data on this population. This paper examines the factors contributing to the gap between available data, education policy, and teacher practice with im/migrant students, in particular, and makes evidence-based recommendations for reducing the data-policy-practice gap.

Authors

• Alexander W. Wiseman, Texas Tech University

• Joel C. Bell, Texas Tech University