Craven, Krista

Rethinking Education for Refugee Youth: How teachers in Toronto’s public schools understand and address the complex and diverse needs of war-affected refugee students

Key words: refugees, educational needs

Abstract

Each year, Canada accepts between 10 and 12 percent of the refugees that are officially resettled each year worldwide. Considering that refugees under the age of 24 comprise approximately 40 percent of Canada’s incoming refugee population, and that schools are often the first institution that refugee youth are regularly exposed to when they arrive in Canada, it is imperative that school teachers effectively meet the complex and diverse needs of refugee students in their classrooms. This research is based on interviews with teachers and practitioners who work with refugee youth, and investigates how educators endeavor to address the needs of war-affected refugee students. Preliminary findings suggest that while teachers acknowledge the complexities involved in working with refugee youth and strive to find creative and effective methods in doing so, there is a lack of systemic support for teachers as they engage in this process.

Acknowledgments

The incredible support I have received from my research supervisor, Daphne Heywood, has been crucial to my success in completing this Major Research Paper. I am also extremely grateful to the teachers and practitioners who participated in this research project. Finally, I am very thankful for the loving, committed support of my friends and family.