Laborers of Love: Exploring the Experiential Knowledge of Migrant Education Program State Directors on Barriers to Program Implementation

ABSTRACT

This exploratory qualitative study examines the barriers to program implementation faced by state directors overseeing federally funded Migrant Education Programs (MEPs). Drawing on data gathered via in-depth interviews with 25 SDs across the United States the following research question is addressed: According to SDs of MEPs, what are the barriers to program implementation? The findings suggest that SDs experience five main barriers to implementing the MEP: 1) lack of time to dedicate to the program; 2) bureaucratic barriers; 3) lack of funding; 4) stigmas and prejudice; and 5) immigration policies. The findings are discussed along with policy and program recommendations.

KEYWORDS:

• Migrant Education Program
• migrant students
• program implementation
• street-level bureaucrats
• immigration

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).