McKinney-Vento Key Provisions

1. McKinney-Vento Key Provisions Madison Metropolitan School District Transition Education Program (TEP) 2010- 2011

2. Why are we all here? Students who are homeless may be a very high need population School staff play a VITAL role Many of our roles overlap, but just an example. . . Administration – support for students, staff & families Food Service – providing students free lunch immediately Guidance – scheduling, credits, transition Psychologist – mental/emotional health PST – special needs and other circumstances RN - frequent medical concerns Social Work – poverty, abuse, attendance Teacher – assessment and instruction These kids need us all!!

3. Please keep in mind . . . Homelessness can be an emotional issue that is not always cut and dry This presentation is not all inclusive, it is a basic review of information Please contact TEP if you have questions after reviewing this presentation 204-2272

4. MMSD Board Policy MMSD Board Policy is aligned with Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act MMSD Board Policy 4406 http://boeweb.madison.k12.wi.us/policies/4406 Revisions to 4406, Summer 2009 http://boeweb.madison.k12.wi.us/files/boe/Revised%20Appx%20LLL-2-9.pdf

5. What is McKinney-Vento? Federal Law reauthorized with No Child Left Behind Protect the rights of students who are homeless Law is designed to: provide full & equal opportunity to succeed in school reduce barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic achievement

6. Definitions Individuals who lack fixed, regular & adequate nighttime residence to qualify, a student needs to lack only one criteria INCLUDES, but not limited to: sharing housing due to economic hardship motels, cars, parks, camp grounds, public spaces, sub-standard housing, awaiting foster care, emergency shelters, and transitional housing programs migratory children who qualify due to above circumstances unaccompanied youth who qualify due to above circumstances

7. Enrollment “Enroll” is defined as: Attending classes and fully participating in activities Immediate enrollment----no delays Documentation is not required to enroll Schools are required to obtain records Create no barriers to enrollment

8. Unaccompanied Youth Student who is not in physical custody of parent or legal guardian Must meet definition of homeless No defined age restrictions Usually arises from crisis situation Enroll immediately, assist with educational guardian process after enrollment Cannot require legal guardianship

9. Transportation At parent request,comparable transportation Elementary typically shuttle or route bus Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride Middle & High typically Metro bus pass Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride To and from school of origin If out of district, districts share costs Extent feasible Best interests of child

10. School Selection Best interests of the student School of Origin school attended by student when permanently housed school student was last enrolled in OR School of Residence school that children who live in that neighborhood attend Some exceptions may occur Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances

11. School Selection Student may stay in school of origin the entire duration of homelessness Options if permanent housing is found: Stay in school of origin until the end of school year in which they became homeless Transportation becomes family’s responsibility Complete internal transfer form to attend school of origin the next year Transportation becomes family’s responsibility Transfer to school of residence

12. Transportation Elementary students travel via route or shuttle bus, typically Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride Middle and High students travel via Metro bus pass, typically Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride There may be some exceptions Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances

13. Dispute Resolution If disputes arise: Enroll student to parent chosen school immediately Parent receives written explanation of decision Referral to MMSD homeless liaison to grieve Nancy Yoder, 663-1907 MMSD homeless liaison

14. Liaisons MMSD Homeless Liaison Nancy Yoder 663-1907 TEP contacts Amy Noble 204-6826 575-0249 Jani Koester 204-2063 444-8996 Shannon Stevens 204-3257 444-4960 Every district must designate a liaison

15. TEP Staff Roles

16. TEP Services Enrollment Advocacy Referral Community contact Family/School support Consultation Transition assistance Professional Development

17. Homeless Information http://www.naehcy.org/dl/naehcy_faq.pdf 101 frequently asked questions http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/reauthorization.pdf McKinney Vento Summary http://center.serve.org/nche/ National Center for Homeless Education http://www.naehcy.org/ National Assn. for Education of Homeless Children & Youth http://dpi.wi.gov/homeless/ DPI website on issues of homelessness