After the storm: K-12 education response to Hurricane Katrina at the state level

Jesse Perez Mendez, PhD, JD; Judith K. Mathers, EdD; David M. Neal, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2008.0027

Authors

Jesse Perez Mendez, PhD, JD
Judith K. Mathers, EdD
David M. Neal, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2008.0027

Keywords:

state policy, disaster, K-12 education

Abstract

This article addresses the policy reaction of 13 high impact states in addressing the K-12 student diaspora that followed Hurricane Katrina. This disaster displaced approximately 372,000 K-12 Louisiana and Mississippi students. After examining various legislative policy responses and administrative management of displacement accommodations, the authors identified various patterns that suggest states resorted to ad hoc policy to address the massive influx of displaced students. The authors recommend that governmental agencies consider the utilization of proactive planning procedures to address educational concerns in further disasters.

Author Biographies

Jesse Perez Mendez, PhD, JD

Educational Leadership, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Judith K. Mathers, EdD

Assistant Professor, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri.

David M. Neal, PhD

Director, Center for the Study of Disasters and Extreme Events, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; Department of Political Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; Fire and Emergency Management Program; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

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