homelessness and academic success among females
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Homelessness and Academic Success Among Females. Michele Kruithoff. Homelessness Stats. As of Monday , April 25 – 37,042 in shelters 8,681 single adults 25,645 with families Nearly 1 in 20 NYC residents have experienced homelessness at some point 1 in 4 children in NYC live in poverty - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Homelessness and Academic Success Among Females
Michele Kruithoff
As of Monday, April 25 – 37,042 in shelters 8,681 single adults 25,645 with families Nearly 1 in 20 NYC residents have
experienced homelessness at some point 1 in 4 children in NYC live in poverty
*Remember – this is not counting those living on the streets!
Homelessness Stats
An unaccompanied youth is a student who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian; this includes youth who have run away from home, have been kicked out of their homes, or have been abandoned by parents. The students lack a fixed, adequate and regular nighttime residence. These youth are covered by the McKinney Vento Act.
Unaccompanied Youth Definition
a. Remain in school of origin for the duration of the student’s homelessness
b. Receive transportation to and from school c. Immediate enrollment in a new school
even if records are absent such as immunization records or transcripts
d. Give various services
Problem: Are the students aware of their rights?
McKinney Vento Act-Important Points
a. Lack of shelter/stability b. Language barrier c. Lack of support from home d. Bullying e. Employment strains f. Family obligations g. Poor grades/cannot graduate on time h. Drug/alcohol abuse
Factors That May Lead to Dropout
50 girls between the ages of 18-21currently living in homeless shelter surveyed:
30 have a high school diploma 6 have a GED 5 are currently enrolled in GED preparation 9 are not currently pursuing HSD or GED They were given a list of factors that they
experienced in while they were in school.
Survey
Situation to consider: One client, a 20 year old female, has been in and out of the shelter system since she was 16. She experienced sexual abuse at the hand of her mother’s boyfriend, whom her mother is still with. She had a full time job while she was in school and also helped take care of her younger siblings. She received her high school diploma on time and is now on her way towards being independent.
Would you be able to complete school with all these factors?
Resiliency
Signs to look out for: Gaps in skill development Poor organizational skills Poor ability to conceptualize Erratic absences and tardiness Lack of participation in trips/after school activities Inability to contact parents Poor personal hygiene Chronic hunger Fatigue Inconsistent grooming Anxiety toward the end of the day Aggression
What Can We As Teachers Do?
National Center for Homeless Education says: Make all students feel welcome Refer the student to after-school tutoring Keep snacks on hand in the classroom Provide classroom supplies Coordinate a plan with school counselor Don’t bring attention to them in front of others Hold the child accountable for what they can
control; not for what is out of their control
What Can Teachers/Schools Do?