Futures under Threat: Education Policy and Barriers to Access for Syrian Refugees in Jordan and Lebanon

This study provides a nuanced analysis of some of the most pressing barriers to education for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan, including: curriculum usage, language barriers, certification, accreditation, insufficient infrastructure, a lack of qualified teachers, child labor and early marriage. In addition, the study proposes a multitude of policy responses to reduce the barriers to access for Syrian refugee students. Several of the most important policy proposals include: standardizing curricula, certification and accreditation, developing remedial programs, enhancing teacher training, hiring Syrian teachers, reducing employment restrictions for Syrians, establishing family outreach initiatives and investing in transportation for students. Furthermore, case studies analyze the benefits and drawbacks of three of the most influential education policies: accelerated learning programs, the second shift system, and cash transfer programs. Lastly, this study includes several reflections on my own experiences as a teacher and as a student in order to illuminate the potential impact of my policy proposals at the individual level