Watch the Recording Listen to the Podcast

The new immigration policies have many educators and administrators concerned about how they can support their families. From ICE agents raiding schools to parents keeping kids home, educators are worried about the impact on the children’s well-being and education. During the edLeader Panel “The Impact of Immigration Policy on Schools,” three superintendents shared how they are helping their staff and families navigate these worrisome times.

First, the superintendents made it clear that they won’t do—or ask their staff to do—anything outside of the law. They have consulted with attorneys and law enforcement to make sure every resolution they make and resource they provide is within the legal limits.

Second, while the current situation is at the top of everyone’s minds, many of these practices apply to all students and families. The goal is to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone at the school regardless of their culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, immigration status, etc.

Make developing a welcoming environment everyone’s responsibility.

Schools should be an inclusive space for all families. Obviously, the classroom teachers play a large role here, but don’t overlook small gestures like the bus driver who greets students every day or the cafeteria workers who get to know what each student likes to eat. Make sure everyone understands their role in creating a safe, supportive environment.

Don’t ask about a student’s or family’s immigration status.

The goal is to help every child reach their full potential, and their status has no bearing on that. There is no reason for a school to ask, and asking could make families wary of you and of sending their children to school.

Involve the school board and leadership as early as possible.

You not only need their buy-in and support, but they can also be an invaluable resource. They might have community connections or expertise that can strengthen the information you’re providing to families.

Stay up to date on student privacy laws.

Federal privacy laws, such as FERPA, and state privacy laws include all students. Unless they have written consent from the “parent” or a “legitimate educational interest,” school staff have a limited ability to access student information. There are also strict guidelines under which they can share information, such as a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. The superintendents said it’s essential to educate all staff on these laws and to make sure that families are aware of their rights as well.

Review any past resolutions, regulations, and resources.

Because state and federal laws are constantly changing, school leaders and legal counsel should review any guidance or regulations to make sure they comply with the current law. Then, provide ongoing training for all teachers and staff on what to do and how to report any incidents.

Give all families a voice in your school.

Families feel supported when they know they have an avenue for communicating with school officials and when they know their opinions matter. Whether you create affinity groups within the school or work with local community groups, make them a part of your discussions on current events. They are also well positioned to share resources and reach constituents who might not want to talk with the school administration. Most important, don’t forget the students. Where appropriate, give them opportunities to talk with staff about their concerns and how the school can help them.

Share school policies with the whole community.

Talk with them about physical safety (gates, locks, procedures for school visitors, etc.), but also make them aware of how to access counselors and support staff. Create an open line of communication so that families and staff can discuss their concerns.

Build a relationship with local officials.

This can include public defenders, police officers, and government representatives. Building trust with law enforcement and asking for their insights, for example, can help you further educate your staff on what they can and cannot do. Public defenders might have more knowledge about ICE agents and what rights families have. With open communication, you increase the support for your district’s families and get the information you need as soon as possible.

Host community events to discuss school policies and issues impacting the students.

These don’t have to be specific to immigration, but it can be one of the topics. Again, it’s all about creating open lines of communication, and community events are also great places to distribute information.

Provide ongoing training for everyone.

Start with district leadership, but make sure the training reaches everyone from school secretaries to maintenance workers. They need to feel as confident as possible that they understand what to do in various situations.

Find allies outside of your school governance.

While there are some things that schools can’t do, they can direct families to third-party resources who can provide additional assistance. And, stay in touch with other school and district leaders—they may have insights that could help your community.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, The Impact of Immigration Policy on Schools, sponsored by CAAASA, The California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators.

Watch the Recording Listen to the Podcast

Join the Community

Leading for Equity is a free professional learning community for school and district leaders who face many challenges leading schools and driving school improvement for all students.

The California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), a group of educational leaders, is committed to identifying and addressing the critical issues in education through public policy relative to the status and performance of African-American students in California.

Article by Stacey Pusey, based on this edLeader Panel