THE INVISIBLE CHALLENGE STUDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT Jeanne Buschine, Homeless Grant Liaison Phone: 350-5043 Email: buschine.jeanne@westada.org Molly Patchin, Homeless Grant Social Worker Phone: 855-4331 Email: patchin.molly@westada.org
WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT 382 square miles of Ada County Includes: Meridian Eagle Star West & Southwest Boise Portion of Garden City
2015-2016 Student Enrollment = 37,578 32 Elementary Schools 10 Middle Schools 11 High Schools
WEST ADA STUDENT ETHNICITY
WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT POVERTY RATE School Year % of Free/Reduced # of students 2009-2010 27.3% 9,354 2010-2011 30.3% 10,478 2011-2012 34.6% 11,435 2012-2013 31.37% 11,302 2013-2014 29.59% 10,729 2014-2015 28.68% 10,563 2015-2016 28.08% 10,640
WEST ADA STUDENTS IDENTIFIED AS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS School Year # Identified 2008-2009 276 2009-2010 304 2010-2011 464 2011-2012 444 2012-2013 386 2013-2014 442 2014-2015 420
MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT (FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION) Defines “homelessness” as… any student who lacks a regular fixed permanent night time residence…..
EXAMPLES OF “HOMELESS” (MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT) Anyone who, due to a lack of housing, lives… Doubled up with relatives or friends Emergency or transitional shelters Motels, hotels Campgrounds In cars, parks, public places, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings “Awaiting foster care” Abandoned in hospitals Migratory children living in these above conditions
UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH • 62 identified in 2014-2015 Unaccompanied homeless children or youth are defined as individuals who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian . The majority of the “unaccompanied” in our school district have been high school students who are either kicked out of their home or who have chosen to leave dangerous or perceived unsupportive situations.
WHY IS THERE A FOCUS ON SUPPORTING “HOMELESS” STUDENTS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION? Research on school mobility …. Students who switch schools frequently score lower on standardized tests; It takes children an average of 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schools. Mobility during high school greatly diminishes the likelihood of graduation. Mobile students can suffer psychologically, socially. They are more likely not to participate in extra-curricular activities and more likely to act out or get into trouble… Source: NCHE www.serve.org/nche
WHAT DOES THE FEDERAL LAW REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DO? McKinney Vento Law requires a school district to: Keep students in their schools of origin to the extent feasible, unless it is against the parent’s wishes. Provide transportation to the school of origin. Remove barriers to enrollment of homeless youth and children. (School records, immunization records, etc.). Homeless students immediately qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch.
2 FUNDING SOURCES 1. 3 year Federal McKinney-Vento Grant (2014-17) Program goals: Case-management; mentor support for unaccompanied youth; after-school tutoring; training for staff 2. Title I “Set - Aside” funds for Homeless After-school tutoring, education support/interventions
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Catch, Inc began a partnership with West Ada School District in January 2013 Mission----rapid rehousing for families who are homeless 25 families have been housed since January 2013
HOUSING + HIGH SCHOOL = SUCCESS During 2014-15 school year Leadership Meridian---Raised over $15,000 Provides housing stipends for unaccompanied youth ages 18-21 Our Goal: Is to provide an incentive for unaccompanied homeless students to remain in school and graduate, rather than dropping out to work full-time. How It Works: Unaccompanied Students are screened by West Ada Social Worker. Application is filled out by host home and student. Project Board reviews application. Stipends are given monthly after school attendance and passing grade are verified.
PROJECT GRADUATION MENTORING PROGRAM WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT Mentoring for students experiencing homelessness. Established a mentoring program in 2008 Grades 8 th -12 th Target unaccompanied youth Mentoring occurs at school during school hours Mentors screened and trained Mentors meet with students during school hours one hour week
PROJECT GRADUATION STATISTICS School Year Students 12th graders # Graduated/ College Mentored % Graduated 2011-2012 32 19 9/47% 4 2012-2013 30 15 11/73% 7 2013-2014 29 10 8/80% 5 2014-2015 20 9 7/78% 6
WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL NEEDS? Housing for families experiencing homelessness Housing assistance for unaccompanied youth
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