ESEA Directors InstituteOctober 2014
Homeless Education
McKinney-Vento
Stewart B. McKinney Act, 1987 (1990, 1994)
2001, reauthorization and name change to McKinney-Vento Act
Requires educational access, attendance, and success for homeless children and youth
Outlines responsibilities for local liaisons and state coordinators
Definition
Lacks “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence”:
Doubled-up (economic hardship – not by choice)
Motels, hotels, campgrounds, trailers
(no alternative adequate accommodations)
Emergency or transitional shelters
Public or private place not designated for human living such as cars, parks, substandard housing, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations
Migrant children fitting the definition
In transition language
Quick Facts or Why should we care about finding homeless
students?
Have four times the average rate of delayed development. Have more academic problems than other children. More likely to drop out
• 25% are graduated from high school Of children in grades three through 12 who are homeless
and participated in state assessment tests, only 48% were proficient in reading and only 43% were proficient in math.
38% percent of homeless children with learning disabilities receive treatment for their disabilities, compared to 75% of housed children with disabilities.
21% of homeless children repeat a grade because of frequent absence from school, compared to 5% of other children.
Are under served by special education. • 9% are in special education classes, compared to 24 % of
housed children. Are suspended twice as often as other children.
• 36 % manifest delinquent or aggressive behavior• 17% of other school-age
4 times more likely to be sick• 47% have problems such as anxiety, depression, and
withdrawal• 18% of other school-age children
Quick Facts or Why should we care about finding homeless
students? (cont.)
District Obligations
Appoint a Local Homeless Education Liaison Remove barriers to education, including revising district
policy Ensure compliance with Title X, Part C - the McKinney-
Vento Act Immunization Report (TN)
• Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-5001(g)• LEAs report homeless numbers by school of students who, at
the time of enrollment, were without immunization records. • The average time to be immunized or obtain immunization
records.– Example, 6 days.
Local Liaison
Attends required annual training Makes final determination in the district regarding eligibility Ensures enrollment, attendance, and full and equal
opportunity for success Ensures families, children, and youth receive educational
services for which they are eligible Trains local staff - everyone
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
“not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian” Living situation meets homeless definition Eligible for services regardless of reason for separation
• Ran away• Forced to leave home
All protections and rights including immediate enrollment apply
Tennessee Numbers
Federally expected numbers of homeless students: 10 percent of Free and Reduced Lunch number
576,435 = actual FRL for Tennessee (2012-13)
57,643 = federal estimate for homeless count (2012-13)
14,319 = TN homeless count in (2012-13)
Student Rights
Immediate enrollment, even if lacking paperwork School selection
• School of origin (if feasible) or local school Transportation to/from school of origin Comparable services Prohibition of segregation Public posting of rights Free school meals Title I, Part A support Special Programs: Special Education, ESL
How to Spend Money
Services and assistance to attract, engage, and retain homeless children and youth, and unaccompanied youth, in public school programs.
Practically SpeakingBoth Title-I Set-Aside and Grant
Clothing: daily dress/uniform/PE requirement Student fees necessary to participate in the general
education program (lab, AP, IB, SAT/ACT) School supplies (home, shelter, school) Enrollment necessities: birth certificates, immunizations Medical and dental services Eyeglasses and hearing aids
Practically SpeakingBoth Title 1 set aside and Grant
Counseling and Outreach services (programs addressing the particular needs that may arise from domestic violence)
Extended learning time (before/after school, Saturday classes, summer school)
Tutoring services - especially in shelters or other locations where homeless students live
GED testing for school-age students
Practically SpeakingBoth Title 1 set aside and Grant
Preschool education programs not provided through other Federal, State, or local funds
Coordinating services provided by schools and other agencies to eligible students
Providing extraordinary or emergency services to eligible students as necessary to enroll and retain such children and youth in school
Transportation• Title 1• Grant
May not use funds for
Rent Utilities Clothing for parents Supplanting other available funds
• (Federal, State, or Local) Programs or services that state laws or policies require
districts to provide
Coding
MUST use a housing code• 01: Shelters, Transitional Housing, Awaiting Foster Care• 02: Doubled up• 03: Unsheltered (cars, parks, abandoned building,
campground, temporary trailer• 04: Hotels/Motels
Resources
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)website: www.serve.org/nche
NCHE helpline: 800-308-2145 or [email protected] Other national organizations:
• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) www.naehcy.org
• National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) www.nlchp.org
Questions and Conversation
20
FRAUD, WASTE or ABUSE
Citizens and agencies are encouraged to report fraud, waste or abuse in State and Local government.
NOTICE: This agency is a recipient of taxpayer funding. If you observe an agency director or employee engaging in any activity which you consider to be illegal, improper or wasteful, please call the state Comptroller’s toll-free
Hotline:
1-800-232-5454
Notifications can also be submitted electronically at:
http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline
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