An Innovative Reform of Secondary Education for Immigrant Students in Southeastern USA

• Main Author: Karen Biraimah & Brianna Kurtz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) 2020-09-01
• Series: BCES Conference Books
• Subjects: migrant education; secondary schools; ethnic discrimination; technology; usa
• Online Access: https://bces-conference-books.org/onewebmedia/2020.095-101.Karen.Biraimah_Brianna.Kurtz.pdf

Migrant and immigrant education are both problematic and impactful in the U.S., which often identifies itself as “a nation of immigrants”, though these concepts are currently criticized by a conservative government intent on building walls rather than bridges. Nevertheless, schools throughout the country have demonstrated an ability to provide immigrant students with quality instruction and a supportive environment designed to ensure their contributions to the nation. This paper will review a government-funded secondary magnet school for information technology in Southeastern U.S. that enrolls a significant number of first and second-generation voluntary immigrant students. Through an analysis of data obtained from questionnaires and extended focus group discussions, the authors will describe the challenges and achievements of these students, and the role their school’s environment played in helping to create both a sense of belonging and opportunities for success.