[Special Issue on Hmong Newcomers to Saint Paul Public Schools] “Are We There Yet?” Examining the Principal’s Role in the Integration of Hmong Refugee Children into Elementary Schools

Abstract

This paper examines the efforts of four elementary principals to create a welcoming and integrated culture for newly arrived Wat Tham Krabok refugee Hmong children. It reveals the accommodations and challenges made by the schools. It demonstrates that the effectiveness of a specialized program for newcomer refugee children necessitates careful planning and the involvement of staff members and school leaders.

Keywords

• Hmong
• Newcomers
• K-12 Education
• ESL
• Bilingual Education