Invisible Children: A Portrait of Migrant Education in the United States
Author: National Commission on Migrant Education
Date Published: 1992
This report, the culmination of a 3-year examination of the federal Migrant Education Program (MEP), is based on research, public testimony, and interviews with migrant community members by the National Commission on Migrant Education. It discusses agricultural trends of the past 25 years and accompanying demographic changes in the migrant community. The findings include: (1) migrant children served by MEP are predominantly Hispanic immigrants who may or may not be currently migrating between work sites in the United States and in Mexico or Central America; (2) many of these children drop out of school, and have needs that are not being met by families or other institutions; (3) the number of young immigrant males, including many unaccompanied minors, is increasing; and (4) MEP has expanded its scope, but appropriations have not risen proportionately, resulting in only 33 percent funding coverage of the legislated program in 1991. The commission recommends that legislative authorities: (1) recognize the changes of the student population and take legislative steps to allow flexibility within, and coordination among, federal migrant programs; (2) make the program funding a priority; and (3) better integrate and coordinate migrant programs. MEP should target currently migrating students for services and be more aggressive as a local advocate for migrant children. This report contains extensive endnotes. The appendices include additional views of the commissioners, information about site visits of the MEP units, legislation information, and other studies and exhibits.
Date Published: 1992
This report, the culmination of a 3-year examination of the federal Migrant Education Program (MEP), is based on research, public testimony, and interviews with migrant community members by the National Commission on Migrant Education. It discusses agricultural trends of the past 25 years and accompanying demographic changes in the migrant community. The findings include: (1) migrant children served by MEP are predominantly Hispanic immigrants who may or may not be currently migrating between work sites in the United States and in Mexico or Central America; (2) many of these children drop out of school, and have needs that are not being met by families or other institutions; (3) the number of young immigrant males, including many unaccompanied minors, is increasing; and (4) MEP has expanded its scope, but appropriations have not risen proportionately, resulting in only 33 percent funding coverage of the legislated program in 1991. The commission recommends that legislative authorities: (1) recognize the changes of the student population and take legislative steps to allow flexibility within, and coordination among, federal migrant programs; (2) make the program funding a priority; and (3) better integrate and coordinate migrant programs. MEP should target currently migrating students for services and be more aggressive as a local advocate for migrant children. This report contains extensive endnotes. The appendices include additional views of the commissioners, information about site visits of the MEP units, legislation information, and other studies and exhibits.
