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 homeless@serve.org 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

State Contact Information

Paula Gaddis615-741-3262

Paula.Gaddis@tn.gov

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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