7: West Indian Immigrant Students in American Schools: Rethinking the At-Risk Label

The at-risk¹ label is often used to identify students who do not fit the regularly accepted mores of the United States’ educational system. Educators and others concerned about students’ welfare seek varying ways to address and increase students’ performance in schools. Bilingual classes are often offered for students whose first language is not English. Students of West Indian descent immigrating to the United States who are English-speaking do not qualify for these classes; thus, their transition into American school life can sometimes be traumatic. This article, a review of the literature, presents a critical look at the at-risk label and how students of West Indian descent at risk of school failure may be accommodated in American schools.