Young, New, Hoosier: Refugee Students in Indy Classrooms

Indianapolis, IN

No matter the place of origin, the education of youth is seen as a treasure and a fundamental right. International law even states that children under the age of 18 are entitled to an education. In a state where over 1000 refugees are resettled each year, Indiana’s education system has been modified in an effort to adjust to refugee students and their needs. However, with the many state standards teachers must follow, large class sizes, and the language barrier between refugee students and teachers, much is still left to do in regards to creating the optimal educational experience for every student. Meeting the needs of refugee students as well as understanding each student’s background is vital in academic success, teacher training, and in welcoming the students into the school community and enabling them to be successful. Through dialog with refugee students and teachers from local schools, hearing their unique stories and experience offer much insight on a subject that is often interpreted through statistics and standards. This issue of transition is a human one, an issue that encompasses the struggle of refugee students but also the beauty of what they offer their new communities.