How CPS Can Better Welcome and Brace for the Migrant Crisis
November 28, 2023
Charlotte Konopko, Gabi Lockowitz, Megan Mallgrave, and Peter Orsak
Our Team
We are a group of undergraduate Northwestern University students diligently working to craft recommendations and findings to best serve the migrant community in Chicago.
CEO
Charlotte Konopko
Gabi Lockowitz
Megan Mallgrave
Peter Orsak
Charlotte Konopko
Charlotte Konopko
Addressing the Issue
Thousands of migrant families arriving on the United States’ southern border have been transported to sanctuary cities across the country.
By the Numbers
Thousands of migrants from South America and across the world have been transported to sanctuary cities across the country. Here’s the numbers.
Source: NBC News
22K
Asylum Seekers since August 2022
Source: NBC News
12K
Living in 26 city-run shelters
Source: NBC News
2K
Migrant refugees living in Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Overview
Our task involved
Our ultimate objective was to offer insightful recommendations on how CPS can enhance their support for new students and families, ensuring their needs are effectively met.
Research question (and what prompted the question)
What infrastructure is in place to prepare the Chicago Public School system to welcome and integrate incoming migrants and how can the existing systems be improved?
Our Approach
Approach
Interviews
Data Analysis
Research
Conduct interviews with Venezuelan families and Chicago Public School teachers and principal.
Interview coding, student demographics, and migrant housing analysis.
Conduct outside research to continuously stay up-to-date on what is happening.
01
02
03
Interviews and Data Analysis
Interviews
Data Analysis
Research
Throughout the quarter, we conducted extensive online research and compiled the entire class’ information into one location (see Appendix C on our website)
We not only learned more about the initial situation, but we can see the progression in each week’s findings to see how things are moving along
No end in sight. Research needs to continue in order to adapt to the changing needs and issues
Source: Chicago’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Qualitative and Quantitative Findings
Data Analysis
Data Analysis (Cont.)
Data Analysis (Cont.)
Research Findings
Interview Findings
Our 4 Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Focus on Mental Health
01 | Focus on Outlined Recommendations Below
We want to ensure students and families are able to move on from the trauma they endured back in their home country from the violence and instability, their agonizing journey, and the worries and stress they have now that they are here. Implicating our recommendations 2-4 can ensure we are working towards alleviating the general mental health for both students and families.
02 | Coordinate with Outside Therapists
A therapist is essential in this migrant crisis as the only way these families are going to be able to move on from the extreme trauma is through professional help. Carl E. Vonne Elementary School noted they only have 1 mental health specialist for the entire school, and emphasized high schools have even less resources. Ensuring that schools have an adequate number of therapists for all of their students is an essential step in working towards helping the migrants.
03 | Extend These Resources to the Families
While students are receiving some of these resources in the four walls of their school building, it does not mean they do not need help once they return back to their families. Parents, siblings, and friends need these resources readily available at all time in numerous locations to ensure everyone has access to the help they need.
BetterHelp.com | OpenCounseling.com/Illinois
Recommendation 2: Improve the placement and educational experience of English Learners
01 | Comprehensive English Proficiency Assessment
Adopt a thorough assessment of migrant students to accurately gauge English proficiency, considering communication skills, comprehension, and academic language abilities.
02 | Centralized Database
Establish an internal database containing profiles of English Learners, including proficiency levels and academic strengths. This database would be accessible to relevant school staff at the start of the year when doing classroom planning.
03 | Cohort-Based Classroom Placement
Introduce a cohort-based placement system grouping English Learners with similar proficiency levels, fostering a supportive learning environment and shared progress among the students. These groups would move between classes together and would build trust and confidence in the classroom.
Recommendation 3: Offer After-school activities
01 | Leverage Community Resources Lean on outside organizations (such as non-profits and University programs) to access resources
02 | Scheduling/Coordination Create a volunteer schedule where individuals who are looking to help can bring snacks/meals/bottled water to meetings
03 | By Students For Students Form programs where high school students at CPS can facilitate activities for younger students
Recommendation 4: Create Volunteer Portal
01 | Building Online Presence and Engagement
By creating an online Volunteer Portal Dashboard for virtual and in-person advising/tutoring, CPS schools will be able to post volunteer requests/opportunities for people to assist with. This will encourage online engagement on CPS websites and resources, and increase the assistance being offered.
02 | Focus on University Volunteers
While this does not need to be reserved for University volunteers, a targeted program could prove to be beneficial on multiple accounts including strong networks and connections, expertise in various fields, and plentiful resources. Additionally, it could serve to establish a bond between Chicago schools that would benefit the community.
03 | Provide Migrants With Someone to Talk To
Whether it's Algebra homework, finding a stable job, or struggles with mental health, migrant families need a higher level of support than they are currently receiving. When it feels like there's nowhere to go, we all just want, and in many cases, need someone who can listen and try to help.
Resources
Benito, Emily. “Importance of Afterschool Programs for Children’s Development” ABC- Kolo New Now. Oct 27, 2023
“Chicago’s Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights.” 40th Ward of Chicago, 1 Nov. 2023, 40thward.org/cirr/.
Shafer, Leah and Walsh Bari. “Migration, Separation, and Trauma: What educators should know about the often-painful experiences of newly arriving children — and how to help” Harvard Graduate School of Business Education. July 2018
Wilson, Nikki. “Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Students” The Graduate School- University of Wisconsin. May 2009
Salzman, Nell. “What to know about Chicago's migrant crisis.” Chicago Tribune, 26 October 2023, https://www.chicagotribune.com/immigration/ct-what-to-know-migrant-crisis-20231026-hhhvu5hcvnfdlc7twe3mnw2aza-story.html. Accessed 20 November 2023.
Silva, Daniella. “Chicago Scrambles to House Migrants as Winter Approaches.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 26 Nov. 2023, www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/chicago-scrambles-house-migrants-winter-approaches-rcna125581.