1. MCPSS Compliance Training for School Administrators & Staff 2010-2011

2. Barriers to Enrollment & Academic Success McKinney-Vento Purpose and Requirements Homeless Education Definitions & Special Considerations McKinney-Vento focus on Educational Stability Enrollment Procedures When to Consider School of Origin Why Transportation is Important Dispute Resolution Procedures Homeless Education Trend Data Presentation Outline

3. Birth certificates Immunization and medical records Residency requirements School records Legal guardianship Transportation to or from temporary residence Barriers to Enrollment For Homeless Students

4. Frequent mobility Lack of staff awareness and sensitivity Inability to complete school assignments Lack of psychological services Poor health and inadequate medical care Physical needs -- food, clothing, health care Barriers to Academic Success For Homeless Students

5. Attendance policies Secondary school credit accrual Legal guardianship requirements Barriers to Academic Success High School Students Youth ages 14 and up face additional barriers to school enrollment, for example:

6. Federal Law Defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll, attend and succeed in our public schools. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

7. The McKinney-Vento Act Every school district is required to have a homeless education liaison who MUST perform specific tasks as required by law. REQUIRES:

8. McKinney-Vento Definitions The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that children & youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence are homeless. Homelessness:

9. When families “double up” because one family is experiencing loss of housing or economic hardship, the family is considered homeless. Doubled-Up: McKinney-Vento Definitions

10. The school that is attended by a student at the time homelessness began is considered to be the school-of-origin. School-of-Origin: McKinney-Vento Definitions

11. A student not living in the physical custody of his/her parent is considered to be an unaccompanied youth. Unaccompanied Youth: McKinney-Vento Definitions

12. McKinney-Vento Act Children in migratory families Children with parent(s) serving abroad in the military Unaccompanied youth not living with a parent or legal guardian Special Considerations

13. The McKinney-Vento Act Keeping students in school of origin Extending “homeless” status throughout the duration of homelessness Removing barriers to enrollment Providing Educational Stability By:

14. The McKinney-Vento Act Immediate Enrollment NO DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED!!!!!

15. The McKinney-Vento Act Immediate Enrollment If a student is HOMELESS or believed to be homeless, he/she MUST be enrolled immediately without providing the necessary documentation upon enrollment!

16. The McKinney-Vento Act Immediate Enrollment MCPSS Homeless Education social workers & staff will assist on a case-by-case basis to ensure that ALL necessary documents are presented to the school within a timely manner.

17. Routine inquiries about residency help determine which students might be eligible for assistance because they meet the legal definition of homelessness as defined by McKinney-Vento. Therefore, each parent is required to complete a SQR at registration/enrollment. Obtaining Student Data Student Residence Questionnaire (SQR)

18. Obtaining Student Data Acceptable Documents AFTER Enrollment Proofs of residency Birth certificate School records Health records & immunizations

19. School of origin (if requested and feasible) or School of residency??? Which School is in a Student’s Best Interest? Why School of Origin?

20. McKinney-Vento states that a homeless student has the RIGHT to remain in his/her school-of-origin if requested by parent and feasible for the student according to the U.S. Department of Education guidelines. Which School is in a Student’s Best Interest? Why School of Origin?

21. Must be student-centered, individualized Must consider the age of the child/youth Must consider the safety of the student Must consider student’s length of stay in shelter Feasibility Criteria Set Forth by the U.S. Department of Education Why School of Origin?

22. Must consider student's need for special instructional programs Must consider the impact of commute on education Must consider student’s time remaining in the school year Feasibility Criteria Set Forth by the U.S. Department of Education Why School of Origin?

23. Students who switch schools score 20 points lower on standardized tests Mobility also hurts non-mobile students It takes children 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schools Mobility during high school greatly diminishes likelihood of graduation What Research Tells Us About The Effects Of Mobility Why School of Origin?

24. Dispute Resolution Every state must establish procedures to promptly resolve disputes The student must be immediately admitted to the school of choice (origin or residency) The school must provide a written explanation of its decision The school must refer the child, youth, parent or guardian to the liaison Resolving Enrollment Disputes

25. Transportation School districts must provide transportation for homeless students to the their school of origin. School districts that provide transportation to the school of origin have documented increased attendance and increased achievement, resulting in increased funding to the district.

26. Support for Academic Success Special Services i.e. special education, ESL, gifted etc. Free Lunch Referral Services Parent information and education

27. Uniforms Students cannot be denied access to school due to lack of uniform items, i.e. pants, shirts, belts, shoes Be prepared to assist your students with uniforms Operate a used uniform closet at your school Partner with your PTA and Partners in Education to purchase uniforms Please Keep In Mind:

28. Homeless Education DATA

29. Homeless Children in Mobile County Identified Homeless Students in the Mobile County Public School System 2008-2009 school year 2,262

30. Identified Homeless Students in the Mobile County Public School System 2009-2010 school year 3,223 Homeless Children in Mobile County

36. Services Provided to Homeless Students Uniforms/School Supplies Medical/Dental/Mental Health Referrals Emergency Food/Housing/Utility Assistance Referrals Bus Passes/Transportation Arrangements Case Management for Students and Families Advocacy (Administrative, IEP, Court, Agencies, Landlords) School/Document/Graduation/Field Trip Fees Professional Development/Homeless Awareness Trainings Parent Training Enrollment/Custody/School Guardianship Assistance

37. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of homelessness. Larissa Dickinson, LGSW lndickinson@mcpss.com 251-221-4283 Denise Riemer, LCSW-PIP driemer@mcpss.com 251-221-4279 EMERGENCY Vickie Price 251-221-4275