Compliance Training for School Administrators Homeless Children & Youth: A School District Responds

Definitions Academic Achievement Liaison for Homeless Students Enrollment School Selection Transportation Dispute Resolution Highlights: Another View

Federal Law Defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Alabama Education Code A student who may be homeless or has an uncertain place of residence may present themselves for enrollment at a public school or a school system’s office. School administrative personnel should make a determination of the student’s residential status based upon the definition in Section 103(a) of the McKinney Act Regulations Governing Public Schools.

The McKinney-Vento Act Every school district is required to have a homeless education liaison What You Must Know About The Law: The liaison is required by law to perform specific tasks

The McKinney-Vento Act The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless What You Must Know About The Law:

The McKinney-Vento Act When families “double up” because one family is experiencing loss of housing or economic hardship, the family is considered homeless Families Living “Doubled Up”

The McKinney-Vento Act Children in migratory families Children with parent(s) serving abroad in the military Unaccompanied youth not living with a parent or legal guardian Special Considerations

Requires schools to keep children in the school of origin to the extent feasible, except where contrary to the wishes of the parent or guardian Educational Stability The McKinney-Vento Act

Educational Stability Child or youth’s right to attend their school of origin extends to entire duration of homelessness Requires removal of any barriers that contribute to exclusion or enrollment delay

The McKinney-Vento Act No documents required Immediate Access Assistance of homeless liaison in obtaining immunizations and/or medical records Written explanation of decision in dispute resolutions

Homeless Children in Alabama 10,500+ Current Estimate

In Mobile Homeless Children in Alabama 2000+

Lack of transportation to or from temporary residence Lack of immunization and medical records Lack of school records State guardianship /residency requirements not uniformly interpreted by school Lack of birth certificates Barriers to Enrollment

Attendance policies Attendance policies Secondary school credit accrual Secondary school credit accrual Legal guardianship requirements Legal guardianship requirements Youth ages 14 and up face additional barriers to school enrollment, for example: Barriers to Enrollment

Frequent mobility Frequent mobility Lack of staff awareness and sensitivity Lack of staff awareness and sensitivity Inability to complete school assignments Inability to complete school assignments Lack of psychological services Lack of psychological services Poor health and inadequate medical care Poor health and inadequate medical care Physical needs -- food, clothing, health care Physical needs -- food, clothing, health care Barriers to Academic Success

Students who switch schools frequently score lower on standardized tests (study found mobile students scored 20 points lower than non-mobile students). Mobility also hurts non-mobile students (study found average test scores for non-mobile students were significantly lower in high schools with high student mobility rates). Why School of Origin? WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF MOBILITY

It takes children 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schools. Mobility during high school greatly diminishes likelihood of graduation (study found students who changed high schools even once were less than half as likely as stable students to graduate, even controlling for other factors). WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF MOBILITY Why School of Origin?

School of origin... if it is requested and feasible -- or -- School of residency Which School Is In A Student’s Best Interest? Why School of Origin?

Student-centered, individualized Age of the child/youth Safety of the student Length of stay in shelter Student's need for special instructional programs Impact of commute on education Time remaining in the school year FEASIBILITY - USDE CRITERIA Why School of Origin?

LEAs must provide students experiencing homelessness with transportation to and from their school of origin, at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or liaison’s request for unaccompanied youth). [722(g)(1)(J)(3)] Transportation

School districts that provide transportation to the school of origin have documented increased attendance and increased achievement, resulting in increased funding to the district. Transportation

Every state must establish procedures to promptly resolve disputes. [722(g)(1)(C)] The student must be immediately admitted to the school of choice while the dispute is being resolved, and transportation to the school of origin must be provided, upon request. 722(g)(3)(E)(1); USDE Guidance] RESOLVING ENROLLMENT DISPUTES Dispute Resolution

The school must provide a written explanation of its decision, including the right to appeal the decision (liaisons inform unaccompanied youth). [722(g)(3)(E)(2), 22(g)(3)(B)(3)] The school must refer the child, youth, parent or guardian to the liaison to carry out the dispute process as expeditiously as possible. [722(g)(3)(E)(3)] Dispute Resolution RESOLVING ENROLLMENT DISPUTES

Students in homeless situations must have access to services for which they are eligible (special education, programs for English language learners (ESL), gifted and talented programs, vocational/technical education, school nutrition programs, etc.) [723(g)(4)] Support for Academic Success SPECIAL SERVICES

The Child Nutrition Act provides categorical eligibility for free meals for students who are homeless, migrant, or served by RHYA programs. Liaisons and shelter directors may obtain free school meals for students by providing child nutrition staff a list of names of students and effective dates. (Public Law ) Support for Academic Success FREE LUNCH

Liaisons must refer students for health, mental health and dental services. [722(g)(6))(A)] Liaisons must inform parents of the services available at the school and provide meaningful opportunities for involvement. [722(g)(6))(A)] Support for Academic Success REFERRALS

Common problems Effects of poverty and homelessness Educational needs Emotional and social difficulties Life Is Difficult For Our Homeless Students Increasing Awareness

At the time of enrollment After a student is enrolled and attending classes Know The Possible Signs Of Homelessness...

Routine inquiries about residency help determine which students might be eligible for assistance because they meet the legal definition of homelessness Student Residency Questionnaire Obtaining Student Data

Proof of residency Birth data School records Health records and immunizations Acceptable Documents after Enrollment

Uniforms Major Changes: NO uniform closet Limited funding to purchase uniforms

Uniforms Students cannot be denied access to school due to lack of uniform items, i.e. pants, shirts, belts, shoes Be prepared to assist your students with uniforms Operate a used uniform closet at your school Partner with your PTA and Partners in Education to purchase uniforms Please Keep In Mind:

Making a Difference Direct Assistance Indirect Assistance Ways You Can Assist Our Students in Homeless Situations

Within the school district Between the school district and the larger community Coordination & Collaboration Making a Difference

You identify a student who needs homeless services Contact Me When... Assistance is needed with immunizations and/or medical records Choice of schools requires dispute resolution Making a Difference

At the time of enrollment When a student is leaving your school When communicating with homeless students and their families Ways Can Assist Our Students in Homeless Situations You

Upcoming Event “Promoting a Positive Climate in a Place Called School” Conference August 7, 2007 Baker High School Presented by Frank Charles Winstead

Education is the key to breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Contact Information Larissa Dickinson, LGSW Denise Riemer, LCSW Emergency Calls Homeless Education Social Workers