1. Plan for Homeless Children and Youths Title I and McKinney-Vento Provisions within NISD

2. Definition of Homeless According to the U.S. Department of Education, people living in the following situations are considered homeless: Doubled up with family or friends due to economic conditions Doubled up with family or friends due to economic conditions Living in motels and hotels for lack of other suitable housing Living in motels and hotels for lack of other suitable housing Runaway and "Throwaway" children and youth Runaway and "Throwaway" children and youth Homes for unwed or expectant mothers for lack of a place to live Homes for unwed or expectant mothers for lack of a place to live Homeless and domestic violence shelters Homeless and domestic violence shelters Transitional housing programs Transitional housing programs The streets The streets Abandoned buildings Abandoned buildings Public places not meant for housing Public places not meant for housing Cars, trailers, and campgrounds Cars, trailers, and campgrounds Awaiting fostercare Awaiting fostercare Migratory children staying in housing not fit for habitation Migratory children staying in housing not fit for habitation Unaccompanied youth Unaccompanied youth

3. Homeless Unaccompanied Youth Definition: youth who meets the definition of homeless and is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian Definition: youth who meets the definition of homeless and is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian Liaisons must help unaccompanied youth choose and enroll in a school, after considering the youth’s wishes, and inform the youth of his or her appeal rights Liaisons must help unaccompanied youth choose and enroll in a school, after considering the youth’s wishes, and inform the youth of his or her appeal rights School personnel must be made aware of the specific needs of runaway and homeless youth. School personnel must be made aware of the specific needs of runaway and homeless youth.

4. Responsibilities of Campus Every LEA must designate a liaison for students in homeless situations Every LEA must designate a liaison for students in homeless situations Responsibilities: Responsibilities: Ensure children and youth in homeless situations are identified Ensure children and youth in homeless situations are identified Ensure homeless students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school Ensure homeless students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school Link with educational services, including preschool and health services Link with educational services, including preschool and health services Inform parents, guardians, or youth of educational and parent involvement opportunities Inform parents, guardians, or youth of educational and parent involvement opportunities Post public notice of educational rights Post public notice of educational rights Resolve disputes Resolve disputes Inform parents, guardians, or youth or transportation services, including to the school of origin Inform parents, guardians, or youth or transportation services, including to the school of origin

5. The Texas Education Code §25.001(b)(5) Admit students that are homeless, regardless of the residence of the student, of either parent of the student, or of the student's guardian or other person having lawful control of the person....

6. The Texas Education Code §25.001(d) For a person under the age of 18 years to establish a separate residence for the purpose of attending the public schools, the person's presence in the school district must not be for the primary purpose of participation in extra-curricular activities.

7. Federal Statute Title X of NCLB

8. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Federal Statute (Federal Statute Title X of NCLB) defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools

9. The McKinney-Vento Act mandates that... every school district is required to have a homeless education liaison, and the liaison is required to perform specific tasks.

10. Provisions under the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act The McKinney-Vento Act provides certain rights for homeless students. They include waiving certain requirements such as proof of residency when students are enrolling and allowing categorical eligibility for certain services, such as free textbooks. The Act also states: Homeless students may attend their school of origin or the school where they are temporarily residing. Homeless students may attend their school of origin or the school where they are temporarily residing. Homeless students must be provided a written statement of their rights when they enroll and at least two times per year. Homeless students must be provided a written statement of their rights when they enroll and at least two times per year. Homeless students may enroll without school, medical, or similar records. Homeless students may enroll without school, medical, or similar records. Homeless students have a right to transportation to school. Homeless students have a right to transportation to school. Students must be provided a statement explaining why they are denied any service or enrollment. Students must be provided a statement explaining why they are denied any service or enrollment. Students must receive services, such as transportation, while disputes are being settled. Students must receive services, such as transportation, while disputes are being settled. Students are automatically eligible for Title I services. Students are automatically eligible for Title I services. School districts must reserve a portion of Title IA funds to serve homeless students. School districts must reserve a portion of Title IA funds to serve homeless students. School districts must review and revise policies that provide barriers to homeless students. School districts must review and revise policies that provide barriers to homeless students. Schools must post information in the community regarding the rights of homeless students, in schools and other places that homeless families may frequent. Schools must post information in the community regarding the rights of homeless students, in schools and other places that homeless families may frequent. School districts must identify a McKinney-Vento Liaison to assist students. School districts must identify a McKinney-Vento Liaison to assist students.

11. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment School Selection Transportation Services Dispute Resolution Free Lunch Awareness

12. Immediate Enrollment Children and youth in homeless situations can stay in their school of origin (to the extent feasible) or enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend Children and youth in homeless situations can stay in their school of origin (to the extent feasible) or enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities

13. Immediate Enrollment Children and youth have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have required documents, such a school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents Children and youth have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have required documents, such a school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents If a student does not have immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the liaison must immediately assist in obtaining them, and the student must be enrolled in the interim If a student does not have immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the liaison must immediately assist in obtaining them, and the student must be enrolled in the interim

14. Immediate Enrollment Enrolling schools must obtain school records from the previous school, and students must be enrolled in school while records are obtained Enrolling schools must obtain school records from the previous school, and students must be enrolled in school while records are obtained Schools must maintain records for students who are homeless so they are available quickly Schools must maintain records for students who are homeless so they are available quickly Federal law supercedes state and local laws where there is a conflict [U.S. Constitution, Article VI] Federal law supercedes state and local laws where there is a conflict [U.S. Constitution, Article VI] SEAs and LEAs must develop, review, and revise policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of children and youth in homeless situations SEAs and LEAs must develop, review, and revise policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of children and youth in homeless situations

15. Barriers to Enrollment Lack of transportation to or from temporary housing Lack of transportation to or from temporary housing Lack of immunization and medical records Lack of immunization and medical records Lack of school records Lack of school records State guardianship/residency requirements not uniformly interpreted by school State guardianship/residency requirements not uniformly interpreted by school Lack of birth certificates Lack of birth certificates Attendance policies Attendance policies Secondary school credit accrual Secondary school credit accrual Legal guardianship requirements Legal guardianship requirements

16. Identification Strategies Provide awareness activities for school staff Provide awareness activities for school staff Coordinate with community services and health department Coordinate with community services and health department Provide outreach materials and posters Provide outreach materials and posters Educate school staff about “warning signs” that may indicate an enrolled child or youth may be experiencing homelessness Educate school staff about “warning signs” that may indicate an enrolled child or youth may be experiencing homelessness Make special effort to identify preschool children, including siblings of school-aged children Make special effort to identify preschool children, including siblings of school-aged children Develop relationships with truancy officials or attendance officers Develop relationships with truancy officials or attendance officers Use enrollment and withdraw forms to inquire about living situations Use enrollment and withdraw forms to inquire about living situations Have students draw or write about where they live Have students draw or write about where they live Avoid using the word “homeless” in initial contacts with school personnel, families, or youth Avoid using the word “homeless” in initial contacts with school personnel, families, or youth

17. School Selection Students can stay in their school of origin the entire time they are homeless, and until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing Students can stay in their school of origin the entire time they are homeless, and until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing If a student becomes homeless in between academic years, he or she may continue in the school of origin for the following academic year If a student becomes homeless in between academic years, he or she may continue in the school of origin for the following academic year If a student is sent to a school other than that requested If a student is sent to a school other than that requested by a parent or guardian, the district must provide a written explanation to the parent or guardian of its decision and the right to appeal

18. Transportation LEAs must provide students experiencing homelessness with transportation to and from their school of origin, at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the liaisons request for unaccompanied youth) LEAs must provide students experiencing homelessness with transportation to and from their school of origin, at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the liaisons request for unaccompanied youth) If the student’s temporary residence and the school of origin are in the same LEA, that LEA must provide or arrange transportation; if the student is living outside of the school of origin’s LEA, the LEA where the student is living and the school of origin’s LEA must determine how to divide the responsibility and share the cost, or they must share the cost equally If the student’s temporary residence and the school of origin are in the same LEA, that LEA must provide or arrange transportation; if the student is living outside of the school of origin’s LEA, the LEA where the student is living and the school of origin’s LEA must determine how to divide the responsibility and share the cost, or they must share the cost equally

19. Transportation (cont.) In addition to providing transportation to the school of origin, LEAs must provide students in homeless situations with transportation services comparable to those provided to other students In addition to providing transportation to the school of origin, LEAs must provide students in homeless situations with transportation services comparable to those provided to other students School districts must eliminate barriers to the school enrollment and retention of students experiencing homelessness (including transportation barriers) School districts must eliminate barriers to the school enrollment and retention of students experiencing homelessness (including transportation barriers)

20. Access to Services Students who experience homelessness Students who experience homelessness must have access to educational services for which they are eligible, including special education, programs for English learners, gifted and talented programs, voc./tech. programs, and school nutrition programs Undocumented children and youth have the same right to attend public school as U.S. citizens and are covered by the McKinney-Vento Act to the same extent as other children and youth (Plyler v. Doe) Undocumented children and youth have the same right to attend public school as U.S. citizens and are covered by the McKinney-Vento Act to the same extent as other children and youth (Plyler v. Doe)

21. Access to Services (cont.) USDA policy permits liaisons and shelter directors to obtain free school meals for students by providing a list of names of students experiencing homelessness with effective dates USDA policy permits liaisons and shelter directors to obtain free school meals for students by providing a list of names of students experiencing homelessness with effective dates The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA includes amendments that reinforce timely assessment, inclusion, and continuity of services for homeless children and youth who have disabilities The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA includes amendments that reinforce timely assessment, inclusion, and continuity of services for homeless children and youth who have disabilities

22. Free Lunch Immediate access Appoint several contacts on each campus to notify school nutrition program in writing Homeless liaison can send master list on monthly basis

23. Resolution of Disputes Every state must establish dispute resolution procedures Every state must establish dispute resolution procedures When a dispute over enrollment arises, the student must be admitted immediately to the school of choice while the dispute is being resolved When a dispute over enrollment arises, the student must be admitted immediately to the school of choice while the dispute is being resolved Liaisons must ensure unaccompanied youth are enrolled immediately while the dispute is being resolved Liaisons must ensure unaccompanied youth are enrolled immediately while the dispute is being resolved

24. Resolution of Disputes Whenever a dispute arises, the parent or guardian must be provided with a written explanation of the school’s decision, including the right to appeal Whenever a dispute arises, the parent or guardian must be provided with a written explanation of the school’s decision, including the right to appeal The school must refer the child, youth, parent, or guardian to the liaison to carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible The school must refer the child, youth, parent, or guardian to the liaison to carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible Documentation should be kept for all local liaison interventions with parents—not just formal disputes (NCLB) Documentation should be kept for all local liaison interventions with parents—not just formal disputes (NCLB)

25. Unaccompanied Youth - Strategies Revise LEA policies to accommodate unaccompanied youth and comply with the McKinney-Vento Act Revise LEA policies to accommodate unaccompanied youth and comply with the McKinney-Vento Act Train local liaisons and all school enrollment staff, secretaries, guidance counselors, principals, and teachers on the definition, rights, and needs of unaccompanied youth Train local liaisons and all school enrollment staff, secretaries, guidance counselors, principals, and teachers on the definition, rights, and needs of unaccompanied youth Develop caretaker forms, self-enrollment forms for unaccompanied youth, and other forms to replace typical proof of guardianship; such forms should be crafted carefully so they do not create further barriers or delay enrollment Develop caretaker forms, self-enrollment forms for unaccompanied youth, and other forms to replace typical proof of guardianship; such forms should be crafted carefully so they do not create further barriers or delay enrollment Become familiar with state and local policies related to unaccompanied youth Become familiar with state and local policies related to unaccompanied youth

26. Unaccompanied Youth— Strategies (cont.) Coordinate with other agencies to ensure policies do not create educational barriers Coordinate with other agencies to ensure policies do not create educational barriers Provide unaccompanied youth the opportunity to enroll in diversified learning opportunities, such as vocational education, credit-for-work programs, and flexible school hours Provide unaccompanied youth the opportunity to enroll in diversified learning opportunities, such as vocational education, credit-for-work programs, and flexible school hours Provide a “safe place” and trained mentor at school for unaccompanied youth to access as needed Provide a “safe place” and trained mentor at school for unaccompanied youth to access as needed Permit exceptions to school policies on class schedules, tardiness, absences and credits to accommodate the needs of unaccompanied youth Permit exceptions to school policies on class schedules, tardiness, absences and credits to accommodate the needs of unaccompanied youth Assist with credit accrual and recovery Assist with credit accrual and recovery

27. Preschool—Strategies Keep slots open for homeless students Keep slots open for homeless students Provide awareness training for preschool providers Provide awareness training for preschool providers Collaborate with preschools not operated by the LEA or SEA (including Head Start) Collaborate with preschools not operated by the LEA or SEA (including Head Start) Ask parents about preschool-aged children when they enroll their school-aged children in school Ask parents about preschool-aged children when they enroll their school-aged children in school Coordinate with IDEA Child Find Coordinate with IDEA Child Find

28. Awareness Staff training Visit homeless students’ living sites Poverty simulation

29. Know Your School and Community Resources Needs Human Fiscal Physical

30. Research on School Mobility Students who switch schools frequently score lower on standardized tests; study found mobile students scored 20 points lower than non-mobile students 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 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 It takes children an average of 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schools It takes children an average of 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schools

31. Students suffer psychologically, socially, and academically from mobility; mobile students are less likely to participate in extracurricular activities and more likely to act out or get into trouble Students suffer psychologically, socially, and academically from mobility; mobile students are less likely to participate in extracurricular activities and more likely to act out or get into trouble Mobility during high school greatly diminishes the 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 Mobility during high school greatly diminishes the 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 Research on School Mobility (cont.)

32. Collaboration Within the district Businesses Within the community Service Providers Faith-Based Organizations

33. Parent Involvement Homeless parents are interested in their children’s education. Keep them informed about their child’s progress, needs Ask how the school can help them

34. What Schools Can Do Review district policies, procedures to ensure no barriers exist--make changes as needed to remove barriers Ensure homeless students have supplies and materials needed to succeed

35. What Schools Can Do Provide tutoring, extra assistance if needed Provide clothing, shoes Provide fees for field trips, extra-curricular activities Provide hygiene items Provide homework support and alternatives

36. Student Support Have a staff mentor for every student

37. Student Support Watch for isolated, “loner” students Get them involved in music, sports, academics Chess Club

38. For Questions…please contact: Gina Lee, M. Ed. Student Services Coordinator Northwest ISD 2001 Texan Drive Ft. Worth, TX 76177-0070 817-215-0982 Fax 817-215-0107 glee@nisdtx.org

39. Resources and References NISD Homeless Plan (attachment) NISD Homeless Plan (attachment) http://staffweb.esc12.net/~mbooth/homeless_education_service/ho meless_education_service_homepage.htm http://staffweb.esc12.net/~mbooth/homeless_education_service/ho meless_education_service_homepage.htm http://staffweb.esc12.net/~mbooth/homeless_education_service/ho meless_education_service_homepage.htm http://staffweb.esc12.net/~mbooth/homeless_education_service/ho meless_education_service_homepage.htm http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo/he101/index.php http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo/he101/index.php http://www.utdanacenter.org/theo/he101/index.php http://www.ftwha.org/LLWorkshop/Homeless%20Programs.pdf http://www.ftwha.org/LLWorkshop/Homeless%20Programs.pdf http://www.ftwha.org/LLWorkshop/Homeless%20Programs.pdf http://www.cesa11.k12.wi.us/newsfile13523_1.pdf http://www.cesa11.k12.wi.us/newsfile13523_1.pdf http://www.cesa11.k12.wi.us/newsfile13523_1.pdf http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/homeless.index.htm http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/homeless.index.htm