How ASU works with educators to ensure K-12 refugee students build durable skills

Unique challenges faced by refugee students

Global conflicts have displaced over a million refugee students, many of whom are now navigating K–12 schools in the U.S. These multilingual learners bring resilience and an eagerness to learn but they often face hurdles such as an interrupted education, the need to adapt to new systems and classes that aren’t geared towards English-language learners. These challenges can hinder their ability to access advanced learning opportunities and build durable skills like collaboration and communication. 

While traditional education systems may unintentionally marginalize new coming refugees, Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation (MLFC) is uniquely positioned to transform these barriers into bridges by helping communities provide education focused on inclusive excellence. 

The Professional Educator Learning Hub (PELH) is offering professional learning courses to educators that ensure refugee students have access to fair and high-quality learning opportunities. These programs reflect the university’s commitment to removing barriers to education and empowering learners at every stage of life–from K–12 to college and beyond. 

The ASU PELH shares the same learner-first ethos as ASU’s Universal Pathways and is providing micro-courses on assets-based pedagogies, designed to equip educators with strategies for fostering effective learning environments. By creating classroom environments that honor each student’s academic potential, educators can help refugee students excel academically. Integrating principles of inclusion and flexibility means these professional learning opportunities prioritize meeting learners where they are, creating meaningful on-ramps for growth. By assisting in the growth of these learners, ASU can have a broader impact within the community. 

Adapting instruction to learners’ diverse needs is a key component to creating excellence in education. While the PELH program focuses on educators, ASU also offers flexible learning options for high school students interested in gaining college credit. Accelerate ASU gives students the unique opportunity to earn college credit in high school without risks to finances or GPA. Combining the power of Accelerate ASU with MLFC’s assets-based pedagogies means we can enhance the classroom environment for both teachers and students. 

The PELH program provides courses designed with educators’ needs in mind by offering:

1. Introductory micro-courses: This free, short-format course offers an accessible starting point to explore assets-based approaches.
2. Flexible learning models: Facilitated and self-paced options allow educators to engage at their own pace and depth.
3. Future growth: Additional courses launching in 2025 will expand the program’s scope, reflecting ASU’s commitment to empowering educators.

Strategies for creating fair learning environments for English-language learners

Educators can focus on integrating refugee students academically and socially while respecting their lived experiences. Key strategies include:

• Assets-based pedagogies: Recognize and build upon students’ strengths, resilience and the diverse backgrounds that students bring.
• Culturally responsive teaching: Design curriculum and activities that reflect students’ identities and global perspectives.
• Family engagement: Involve families in the educational journey to build trust and foster collaboration.
• Equitable access: Ensure students can participate fully in advanced learning opportunities and social activities.

Empowering educators to lead the way

Through this program, educators can become champions of accessible learning and unlock the full potential of refugee students. By aligning with ASU’s universal goals, these courses offer a pathway for educators to foster belonging, remove barriers and drive transformative change in both their classrooms and their communities.

Explore these professional learning opportunities today through the ASU Professional Educator Learning Hub and join the movement to make universal learning a reality. Together, we can create classrooms that empower every learner to thrive.