The Educational Rights of Students in Temporary Housing

Public Schools of Petoskey

With thanks to NYS-TEACH, a Project of Advocates for Children funded by a grant from the New York State Education Dept.The Educational Rights of Displaced Students in Temporary Housing

Segments in PowerPointIntroductionGeneralOverviewResourcesBackgroundKey Protections for StudentsRights & ResponsibilitiesSchool SelectionDispute ResolutionTransportationUnaccompanied YouthStrategies & ResourcesContact Information

Research on Educational Outcomes Over 75% of displaced children read below grade level. 36% of displaced children repeat a grade (twice the rate of other children). Students with two or more school changes are half as likely to be proficient in reading as their peers.

Public Schools of PetoskeyBarriers for Those in Temporarily Housing Enrollment requirements- Residency, schoolrecords, immunizations, legal guardianship, etc. High mobility- Lack of educational continuity Lack of access to programs Lack of transportation Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Poor health, fatigue, hunger, etc. Prejudice and misunderstanding

Public Schools of PetoskeyMcKinney-Vento Attempts to Eliminate Them!Protecting the Educational Rights of Youth Federal law: Enacted in 1987 & reauthorized in 2001 (NCLB)

Main Themes:School AccessSchool StabilityAcademic SuccessMcKinney-VentoAssistance Act

Public Schools of PetoskeyWho is Covered Under the McKinney-Vento Act?All students who lack a fixed, regular, & adequate night-time residenceFIXED: A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to consistent changes.REGULAR: A regular residence is one which is used on a predictable or routine basis.ADEQUATE: An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments.Public Schools of PetoskeySharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, etc. Living in motels, hotels, parks, camp grounds, etc.Living in emergency or transitional sheltersAbandoned in hospitalsAwaiting foster care placement & early/temporary foster careLiving a in public or private place not designed for sleepingLiving in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations, etc.Migratory living in circumstances described above (e.g., couch surfing)Examples of Temporary Housing

Public Schools of PetoskeyANALYZE THE FACTS

Steps for Determining EligibilityPublic Schools of PetoskeyDoes the students living arrangement seem to fit into one of the previous examples?What are the most immediate needs of the student?Still have questions/concerns? Please call Petoskeys Liaison Officer at 348-2352.Public Schools of Petoskey 2010-2011IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENTREMAINING IN SCHOOLFREE SCHOOL MEALSTRANSPORTATION, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, & HELPWhat Rights Does McKinney-Vento Provide?Immediate EnrollmentPublic Schools of PetoskeyStudents experiencing housing barriers are entitled to immediate enrollment, even without: Previous school records, Medical records (including immunization records), Proof of residency, A parent or guardianship papers, or Birth certificate or other documents normally required.

IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT THE NORMPublic Schools of PetoskeySchool SelectionSchool Selection means attending a schooldistrict/building that is least disruptive to learning:School/district attended when last permanently housedSchool/district where last attendedSchool/district in the attendance zone where temporarily residing School that students (living in the same attendance zone) may attend

Parent, unaccompanied youth, & liaison officer are encouraged to keep student in school of origin. Best interest, appropriate travel time, and safety are considered to be primary factors.

BUSES- PRIMARY Gas CardsTransport AgreementsPublic Schools of PetoskeyEntire time student is experiencing housing barriers (as defined earlier) orThrough the remainder of the school year (even if moves into permanent housing)andTransportation provided when-Within district/building of originDistrict/building most recently attendedWithin reasonable distanceSafe (as for all students)

How Long Can Student Stay in the Selected School?

Free & Reduced School MealsPublic Schools of PetoskeyStudents identified through McKinney-Vento are entitled to FREE meals.A completed application is not required to receive free meals, but is requestedPrincipals, secretaries, or the liaison submit names of student(s) and siblings in temporary housing to districts Food Service Director for State of Michigan reimbursement.

Unaccompanied YouthPublic Schools of PetoskeyDefined As:Not in physical custody of parentMeets definition of McKinney-VDoes not need adult to enrollNew federal guidelines are available.

Availability of permanent housingdoes not affect eligibility under McKinney-Vento.

Special ServicesPublic Schools of PetoskeyEducational services & programs must be equitably available to all students :Special EducationRtI & Intervention ServicesCore & Elective Courses Gifted & TalentedExtra CurricularPre-School Etc.School will assign a surrogate parent as needed (e.g., principal, counselor, liaison officer, or staff member) in cases where student is: a ward of the State/Court or an unaccompanied youth.

In Petoskey Public Schools, WeInclude AwarenessActivities&Training.Coordinate withCommunityServices.Use OutreachMaterials, Posters, & Personnel. Ask Questions with Respect.Create ReferralSchemes & Networks.Watch for Warning Signs in Students.Review & Follow Policies, Procedures, & Practices.Resolve Disputes Timely & Accurately.CONTAC T THE DISTRICT LIAISON OFFICER AT 1-231-348-2352.

District information & other resources are available at:http://www.petoskeyschools.org/tlc/admin/homeless/index.htm