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The Effects of Being Homeless and Receiving a Public Education

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The Effects of Being Homeless and Receiving a Public Education
The Effects of Being Homeless and Receiving a Public Education:

Abstract

For so long the homeless populations of the children in our public school systems have been overlooked. Research shows that homeless and low-income students suffer from some of the same issues but homeless children suffer long- term effects outside of what their housed peers face. The McKinney-Vento Act that was reauthorized in 2001 sets standards for how public schools should service homeless students. Beyond the public schools there are many things that teachers can do individually to enhance their children’s experiences and learning while at school. The only way to break this vicious cycle of homelessness in public schools is through education.

Introduction

The absence of a stable living arrangement has a devastating impact on educational outcomes for youth. For many students who are homeless, not having the proper school records often leads to incorrect classroom placement (Roundtree, 1996). Medical records, immunization records, previous school transcripts, and proof of residency are some of the barriers students that suffer from homelessness have to face when being placed within school districts.
When students change schools frequently, it is difficult for educators to correctly identify their needs and ensure proper placement (Roundtree, 1996). Also, the lack of transportation is an obstacle that further prevents many homeless children and youth from obtaining education. Stereotypes about homelessness combined with lack of support from the school district can often prevent homeless students from receiving the best education possible (Roundtree, 1996). All of these reasons prevent homeless youth from receiving an adequate chance to their educational rights.
For so long the population of homeless children has been overlooked in our public education systems. The purpose of this paper is to bring awareness to the effects of being homeless on children and education. I plan



References: Bassuk, Ellen L., Brooks, Margaret G., Buckner, John C. & Weinreb, Linda F. (1999). Homelessness and Its relation to the Mental Health and Behavior of Low-Income School-Age children. Developmental Psychology, 35, 246-257. Gram-Bermann, Sandra A., Masten, Ann S., Millotis, Donna, Neeman, Jennifer & Ramirez, MaryLouise (1993), Children in Homeless Families: Risks to Mental Health and Development. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 61, 335-343. Hernandex Jozwfowicz-Simbeni, D., & Israel, N. (2006 January). Services to Homeless Students and Families The MCKinney-Vento Act and Its Implications for School Social Work Practice. Children & Schools, 28(1) 37-44. Retrived June 10, 2008, from Academic Search database. Knowlton, A. (2006, Fall). Helping the Homeless: What Educators Can Do to Ease the Pain. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 73(1). Retrieved June 10, 2008 , from Academic Search Premier database. Roundtree, M (1996, September). Opening school doors to the homeless. Thrust for Educational Leadership, 26(1), 10. Ziesemer, Carol & Marcoux, Louise (1994). Homeless children: Are they different from other low-income children? Social Work 39, 658-669

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