Pathways to success : Immigrant youth at high school

Research Approach and Methods The study’s participatory action research approach was expressed through its use of a cross stakeholder steering committee to guide the project, the hiring and training of immigrant youth researchers, and the holding of a community forum to share findings and build commitment to implementing solutions. [...] Lack of System Response Despite the fact that positive responses to the needs of immigrant youth do exist in Waterloo Region, research data also suggest that there is a lack of a coordinated system of response to help address the problems and challenges immigrant youth bring with them into schools. [...] This exploration of first impressions helped to contextualize the experiences of newcomer youth, provided researchers with a more in-depth understanding of the process and 9 of 103 Pathways to Success: Immigrant Youth at High School Final Report realities of coming to Canada, and required youth to reflect on the effectiveness of Canadian systems and institutions in responding to newly arrived immi [...] I have to do something that will make me better after all of the hard times when I was little.” (Immigrant Youth) Some youth also expressed that their motivation to do well in school related to the feelings of pride and the desire to prove their skills and abilities to themselves, their families, teachers, or to other students. [...] Research participants talked about the role and importance of principals and vice principals in developing a positive school climate and in providing direction and leadership in how the entire school will respond to newcomer youth.