It Starts with Us: Including Refugees in Rural Schools and Communities

Abstract

Rural school personnel across three districts and states were interviewed to learn their experiences working with refugee youth and their families. These eleven individuals held different roles including administrators, special service providers, and teachers of English language learners (ELL). Through qualitative analysis, the broad themes of communication, differences, resources, curriculum, collaboration, and family-school relationships were identified. Data were used to develop recommendations for promoting the inclusion of newcomer youth in rural schools.