Bridging Two Worlds: Supporting Newcomer and Refugee Youth

Book excerpt: Bridging Two Worlds provides teachers, school administrators and counsellors with the knowledge and practical resources to deliver more informed and culturally responsive career development and guidance to newcomer and refugee youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12. This book and the study upon which it is based grew out of the Canadian spirit of cultural diversity and inclusivity. Bridging Two Worlds offers data-informed curriculum development and instructional ideas that recognize and address educational gaps as well as cultural or experiential differences that impede progress. The book is built around nine key themes related to effective pedagogy and mental health supports: Conflict Awareness Social Determinants of Health Peace and Sustainability Refugee Characteristics Building Personal and Community Connections Cultural Competency/Culturally Safe and Responsive Teaching Trauma-Sensitivity, Mental Health Awareness and Crisis Response Career Planning and Career Development Teacher Self-Care In the first section, the book considers issues that relate to school-based learning and teaching. While not all newcomers to Canada face the cumulative effects of trauma, interrupted learning and new-language acquisition, all educators should be aware of how these affect human development and learning. The second section focuses on educator competency - preparing and training teachers and counsellors to work with newcomer and refugee children and youth. It includes relevant core competencies from the Career Development Guidelines and Standards of Practice and 30 sample lessons for educators. The book concludes with a section devoted to student learning outcomes for life/work development. Learning outcomes from the Blueprint for Life/Work Designs are provided with accompanying suggestions for instruction across all elementary and secondary grade levels. "Bridging Two Worlds brings to bear the power of original research and the insight of its experienced authors on the crucial issue of educating newcomers. With the world witnessing an ever-growing number of refugees - many coming to our shores with expectations of a better life - education is the key. Equally, the new arrivals must learn about their new land and how they can make Canada a better place. Fortunately, this guide creates understanding and provides the tools that will enable the building of bridges to take place." - Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, Chair, World Council on Refugees and Former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs