KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Reimagining Educational Leadership And Policy For Refugees

» Prof Khalid H. Arar

(United States) - Texas State University

Bio: Khalid H. Arar, Ph.D. is a Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy, Education and Community Leadership, School Improvement Doctoral Program, College of Education at Texas State University. His international and comparative research scholarship is rooted at the nexus of social justice, equity, and diversity in educational leadership and policy. His book: School Leadership for Refugees, was a winner of Routledge’s prestigious choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2021. He was recently awarded the title of Honorary Professor of International Studies at Texas State University, while AERA Division A honored him with the Excellence in Research Award 2023. Prof. Arar has served on amble of international scholarly conference boards and is on the editorial board of 12 journals.

Abstract: Vast populations have been forced to leave their homelands in recent years due to war, political conflict, and economic collapse. The countries that provide sanctuary need to ensure quality education that will allow these destitute but hopeful students to build a new future. In his keynote, Professor Arar examines how educational leaders shape and lead different practices to meet refugee students' educational needs, while also considering issues of equity and social justice. His keynote will address the following main questions: What are the emergent issues in policy and leadership scholarship that can address refugees and other ‘displaced’ students in receipt of ‘undocumented’ education provision?

What are the leadership framework and praxis that best cater for these refugee students in new land? Based on cutting edge theoretical understanding, scholarship analysis, and rich first-hand research findings which highlight the local idiosyncrasies and cross-national themes involved in leading welcoming schools for newcomers, he will provide a global analysis of policy guidelines and up-to-date research findings concerning refugee education Through his keynote, a comprehensive model is presented to guide culturally relevant educational leadership to welcome newcomers in schools and society.