Some school districts are finding ways to support older newcomers even when they have no legal obligation to do so. In California, where general education students over 17 have limited enrollment protections, the cash-strapped Oakland Unified School District has prioritized these learners. On the other hand, another school district has reinstated barriers that cut a student's education short. What can we learn from these two contrasting approaches? Explore the critical gap between policy and practice to uncover strategies that ensure every newcomer has access to learning, regardless of age.
