HOMELESSNESS AND THE EFFECTS ON STUDENT’S BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES IN THE SCHOOL SETTING An Action Research Project By Tiffany Green EDUC , Spring 2010

Table of Contents  Introduction  Statement of the Problem 3  Review of Related Literature 4-10  Statement of the Hypothesis 11

Statement of the Problem  Homelessness is on the rise due to the economic recession affecting the nation.  Homelessness is at its highest ever in NYC in over 25 years (  There is an influx of individuals and families in the shelter system due to the lack of housing and financial resources (  School aged children lack the resources, support and services necessary to actively succeed in school.  Homeless student’s behaviors and attitudes are negatively effected by the lack of school advocates and parental involvement concerning their needs.

Theorists  Learning requires social interaction and collaboration. - J. Lave

Review of the Literature  Homelessness is a global problem that is growing and effecting the education of school aged children on a greater scale. There is a recurrent used for public shelters for 8,251 children in NYC linked to child welfare services. There is a need for community collaboration and increase in services. Brodbar,Gabriel, Culhane, Dennis, Metraux, Stephen, & Park, Jung Min, (2004)

Review of the Literature  With the collaboration of both school and shelter personnel changes can be made to decrease feelings of isolation and embarrassment and foster unity in the lives of many of these children in need. Hall, Ramona (2007)  Studies show that there are not enough services provided to track the school attendance and performance of this population. Therefore, they are ignored and simply overlooked. Dupper, David. & Halter, Anthony (1994)

Review of the Literature  The issue of homelessness has created many behavioral issues and attitudes that have become challenges for students who are at a higher risk of emotional, physical and social problems. Risko, Victoria.J., & Walker-Dalhouse, Doris (2008)  A survey based study proved that there is a correlation between family characteristics, dynamics and involvement and student bullying in school. These factors play a great role in the child’s choice to victimize peers and loved ones. Holt, Melissa K., Kaufman Kantor, Glenda; Finkelhor, David(2009)

Review of the Literature  Interventions  A case study proved that 240 homeless students who were bused to a college campus to reside there permanently for 10 days for a period of 3 weeks did significantly better on their post literacy test than their pre literacy screening. Sinatra, R (2007)

Review of the Literature  There is a link to the importance of dramatic role play in literature and expressing the emotions and imaginative play of homeless children in shelters. Kraus, JoAnne (2006)  With the use of technology students are able to engage in virtual problem solving strategies through role-play. This helps to foster their practical, critical and analytical skills in order to resolve problems. This is a great way to encourage discussion about character education. Dracup, Mary(2008)

Review of the Literature  Picture books encourage discussion about cultural and behavioral norms and great for role play and social interaction. They engage young readers to think critically and analytically about the world around them and the question the norms that are in place. They help students to develop a sense of self awareness and responsibility in the world. O’Neil, Kathleen (2010)  Counseling as a strategy for helping these students and ways to develop positive peer and staff interaction. Daniels, Judy (1995)

Statement of the Hypothesis  HR1: Implementing character education lessons over a three week period three times a day for 30 minutes to 20 students at PS X who live in a NYC shelter will positively increase their behavior and attitude towards learning in the classroom.