tools for impacting homeless students’ lives
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Tools for Impacting Homeless Students’ Lives. Lorain County, OH September 2012 Christina Endres [email protected]. Today’s Blueprint. Identification Enrollment Considerations Data: T he “Now What?” Factor. Legal Basis. Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Tools for Impacting Homeless Students’ Lives
Lorain County, OHSeptember 2012
Christina [email protected]
Today’s Blueprint
Identification
Enrollment Considerations
Data: The “Now What?” Factor
Legal Basis
Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
A copy of the law and USDE Guidance:http://center.serve.org/nche/m-v.php
Homelessness DefinedLacks a fixed, regular, & adequate
nighttime residence
Doubled-upMotels, hotels, trailer parks, campgroundsEmergency or transitional sheltersAbandoned in hospitalsAwaiting foster care
Homelessness DefinedPublic places not meant for habitationCars, parks, bus or train stationsAbandoned buildings, substandard
housingMigratory children in the aboveUnaccompanied youth in the above
IdentificationLiaisons must:
Ensure students are identified◦Through coordination
Post notice of rights◦Where students receive services
Team EffortEnrollment StaffStudent Services StaffTeachersSpecial Education PersonnelTruancy/Attendance OfficersTransportation StaffCafeteria Staff
Team EffortSheltersSoup Kitchens & Food BanksTransitional Living ProgramsStreet Outreach Teams & Drop-in CentersCommunity Action Agencies Welfare & Housing DepartmentsHomeless Coalitions/Continuums of Care (CoCs)Public Health DepartmentsFaith-based OrganizationsLow-cost Motels
Common Signs: Academic
Attendance at many different schools Lack of personal records needed to enrollInability to pay fees Gaps in skill developmentMistaken diagnosis of abilities Poor organizational skillsPoor ability to conceptualize
Common Signs: Health
Lack of immunizations and/or immuniza tion records
Unmet medical and dental needs
Increased vulnerability to colds and flu
Sleeping in class
Common Signs: AttendanceErratic attendance and tardiness
Numerous absences
Lack of participation in after-school activities
Absences on days when students bring treats
Common Signs: Space IssuesLack of shower facilities, washers, etc. Wearing same clothes for several daysInconsistent groomingConsistent lack of preparation for schoolIncomplete or missing homework Unable to complete special projects
Common Signs: BehavioralRefuse invitations from classmatesConstantly lose supplies, homeworkWorry about safety of possessionsParents avoid schoolParentificationAnxiety late in the school dayMarked change in behaviorDifficulty trusting
Enrollment QuestionnairesCan be used to screen for eligibility
May be incorporated into eligibility questionnaires for multiple programs
Any that suggest homelessness can be directed to the liaison
Other Enrollment TipsKeep a list of shelters and low cost motels
near the registration desk that can be discreetly checked against enrollment forms
Host cooperative enrollment events with Head Start and other similar community agencies
Tips: Beyond EnrollmentProvide regular trainings on recognizing
common signs
Involve school personnel and community agencies in the identification process
Make personal contacts with staff at motels, low-cost health facili ties, police stations, and other public ser vice facilities
Tips: Beyond EnrollmentAssist with attendance reviews
Engage youth in awareness activities
Review mailing labels and transportation logs
Use the district website
Tips: YouthAdminister surveys to youthAccept referrals from other studentsProvide outreach to areas where students
might congregateIncorporate homelessness into lessonsHold a school convocation on
homelessness
General TipsKeep an eye out for social cuesOffer to talk to families privatelyAvoid the “H” wordGet to the concern beyond the stigmaTailor information to audienceConsider MOUs, release forms, newsletters
IdentificationLiaisons must ensure hcy:
Enroll in, & have a full, equal opportunity to succeed in schools
Receive educational services for which they are eligible & referrals for other services
Enrollment Defined
The terms enroll and enrollment include:
Attending classes and participating fully in school activities
Enrollment ConsiderationsHomelessness can last a day or many
years.
Determinations for school placement are based on the best interest of the child.
Transportation services must be offered to homeless students.
Enrollment ConsiderationsTransportation for extra-curricular activities
should be comparable to what’s offered to other students.
UHY are a legally recognized subpopulation with full rights under the law.
Districts and states are required to revise and remove barriers for homeless students.
Enrollment ConsiderationsIn addition to general enrollment, students have the right to:
Title I servicesFree school mealsVocational educationSpecial educationEarly childhood educationAny other program offered by the district such
as alternative education
Data, Data, DataRequired to participate in CSPR collectionDistricts enter info into EMISStates enter it into EdFacts or CSPREach year, NCHE releases data summary
http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/data_comp_0909-1011.pdf
What do you want to know?
Got Data? Got Answers!Suspension Rates & ReasonsAcademic PerformanceSchool Stability & Assessment ParticipationAcademic ServicesGeneral Trends: EnrollmentGraduation Rates
Data is a tool to improving student outcomes
Community Impact
Data gives credibility◦Vigo County
Data can help schools get resources◦Mesa County
Data can help programs get resources◦Montgomery County
ConsiderationsUse comparison groups: subpopulations
as required by law
Use comparative data like unemployment rates
Keep in mind group sizes and data quality
What do you want to know?
For More InformationNCHE Website
http://center.serve.org/nche/
NCHE Helpline 800-308-2145 or [email protected]
State Coordinator Tom Dannis, 614-466-4161
NCHE Briefs
Identifying Students in Homeless Situations
http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/identification.pdf
Determining Eligibility
http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/det_elig.pdf
NAEHCY Toolkits
http://naehcy.org/tk/tk.html