Federal Advocacy for New-to-Country Students & Families

Newly arrived immigrant and refugee students face unique challenges as they adjust to life in a new country, and Michelle Quattlebaum has worked tirelessly to advocate for policies that support them. Her efforts at the federal level resulted in a pause on standardized testing requirements for students who are new to the U.S., recognizing that it is unfair to assess students in a language they have not yet mastered. She also fought for increased funding to provide bilingual education, social services, and workforce access for immigrant families. These efforts ensure that new-to-country students are not left behind but instead given the resources they need to thrive academically and socially. By advocating for equitable policies at the national level, Michelle has reaffirmed DPS’s commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive district for all students, regardless of where they come from.