Experiences of Adolescent Refugee Students Who Attend Afterschool Programs for Literacy Support

Abstract

EXPERIENCES OF ADOLESCENT REFUGEE STUDENTS WHO ATTEND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR LITERACY SUPPORT by Analiza Filion Studies on the academic achievement of refugee students cite continuous underachievement in literacy skills. Due to trauma from fleeing their countries of origin, limited school experiences, and language barriers, refugee students struggle with demonstrating progress in academic achievement. Learning challenges continue to take place when classroom teachers are not equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to support students with their unique learning needs. Through the use of a documentary research method, this dissertation investigated the experiences of five adolescent refugee students who attended afterschool programs as an additional resource for developing literacy skills. This study also explored how students perceived safety within the afterschool program environment. Due to the limited studies available based on the viewpoint of the students, this study described the most helpful strategies based on the students' perspectives. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices were used as the conceptual lens for this exploratory study. The documentary film Creating Safe Learning Spaces in Turbulent Times was created to illustrate the findings from the research. Caring tutors were identified as a key factor that contributed to students' positive experiences in and perceptions of safe learning environments. v DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, who taught me the value of education, the significance of a strong work ethic, and the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. To my mother, you have always been an inspiration to me, and I will never forget the sacrifices you made so that I could continue my education. Dagiti balakad mo ket agtalinaed to nga agnanayon kaniak: "Edukasyon Iti Tulbek Ti Panagballaigi." I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to my teachers who helped guide me during my young adulthood. Danilo Begonia, Diane Greene, and Gregory Leland, your caring behaviors will always be remembered. I would like to acknowledge my family members, mentors, and colleagues. Gregorio, my husband and best friend, thank you for encouraging me to pursue my dream of attaining a doctoral degree and for your unwavering support and sacrifice while I completed my dissertation. To my son Lorenzo, thank you for your patience and gleeful laughter that always greeted me when we could spend time together. Dr. Robert Gliner, thank you for agreeing to serve as my dissertation chairperson and for believing in me and the purpose of my study. I am eternally grateful for your mentorship, patience, and wisdom. Your reassuring comments helped motivate me to persevere during some of the most challenging times while completing this study. Dr. Carlos Garcia and Dr. David Villegas, I am very appreciative of the valuable feedback and guidance provided to me during the dissertation process and for the constructive conversations during my proposal hearing and disser...