Dive Brief:

• On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education released a new guidebook for districts to help them navigate how to deal with undocumented students.
• The guidebook provides an overview of the legal constraints for school districts and the rights afforded to students who enter the country illegally.
• The department estimates there are roughly 80,000 undocumented youths in the country, of which 65,000 will graduate from high school.

Dive Insight:

The guidebook is a response to months of requests from superintendents, seeking guidance as the legal landscape of undocumented children remains turbulent. John King Jr., who will take the mantle of education secretary in December, announced the new guide, saying, “We know undocumented youth face unique challenges and we also know that educators and other caring adults in schools and colleges can play a major role in helping all students, including undocumented students, to achieve at the highest levels.”

The guide also provides a framework for school counselors and administrators to help students navigate their legal recourse. It advises districts on the benefits of getting students to apply for the Department of Homeland Security’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which can provide students with two years of reprieve from being removed from the country.