Robert Barr, Ph.D., Author - The Kids Left Behind: Catching Up the Underachieving Children of Poverty (Solution Tree, 2006) - Saving Our Students, Saving Our Schools(Corwin Press, 2003)
	Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, Educator and Consultant - Teacher of the Year, Virginia Beach Public Schools - Former Homeless Student
	Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, Former U.S. Surgeon General - Distinguished Professor of Public Health, University of Arkansas

2006 Conference Program

2006 Conference Session Materials by Topic

Reading on the Go! Literacy and Highly Mobile Students

Presenter: Dr. Patricia A. Popp, Virginia State Coordinator for Homeless Education, The College of William and Mary (VA)

The session will address the challenges and promising practices in working on literacy skills with students who are homeless and highly mobile. Topics to be covered include: a review of the research literature, examples of practices being implemented by programs around the country, and suggestions for developing new and enhancing existing programs. Participants will have an opportunity to share their challenges and successes. A handbook of resources will be provided.


It’s a Numbers Game: Building Algebra Skills for Mobile Students

Presenter: Dr. George W. Fair, Dean, School of General Studies, The University of Texas at Dallas (TX)

Competence in mathematics is identified as a critical skill directly related to educational and occupational choices. Achievement in algebra and geometry is necessary for high school graduation and vital in a society based on information. Algebra is a “critical filter” for a wide variety of careers and a gateway to future courses in mathematics. Because of inconsistent school attendance and inadequate space or time to complete homework, students in homeless situations may not achieve the pre-algebra knowledge and skills needed for success in algebra. This pre-conference will provide detailed data, active participation, instructional techniques, student materials, and the Power Point presentations for five pre-algebra experiences that have been successful with students in homeless situations. Participants will leave the Institute with five Power Point Presentations and five student materials kits that include the required instructional materials and data collection and evaluation procedures.


Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Achieving Equal Economic Opportunity

Presenter: Dr. Robert Barr

After Dr. Barr’s keynote, he will meet for a question and answer session to discuss ways schools can help homeless, impoverished, and at-risk children and youth break the cycle of poverty and achieve equal economic opportunity. He wonders if there is a school “rite of passage” that can help students make the important journey from Homeless to Hopeful to fully participating in the modern economic world. Do many school programs reflect a brutal “Jim Crow Education” of racism and class prejudice? What must schools do in order to ensure that ALL students have an opportunity to achieve the economic “good life” in America?


Prompt and Proper Placement: Enrolling Students Without Records

Presenter: Dr. Beth Garriss Hardy, Consultant, Homeless Education, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)

Presentation
Handout: Brief - Prompt and Proper Placement: Enrolling Students without Records

This session will provide participants the opportunity to discuss the challenges of initial classroom placement for students whose records are not available. Attendees will receive concrete suggestions for useful tools to assist in making sound educational decisions for immediate placement of homeless children and youth in appropriate classroom settings.


Effective Teaching and Students Placed At-risk: What Makes an Effective Teacher?

Presenters: Diana Bowman, Executive Director, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)
Dr. Patricia A. Popp, Virginia State Coordinator, The College of William and Mary (VA)

Presentation

What do the best teachers do to make a difference in the lives of highly mobile and homeless students? This presentation focuses on qualities of effective teachers that impact at-risk students’ success, featuring simulations regarding teacher quality and working with at risk students. Ultimately, “…nothing, absolutely nothing has happened in education until it has happened to a student.”


Schooling for Tomorrow: Learning to Bridge the Digital Divide

Presenter: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, The College of William and Mary (VA)

Sheryl’s Blog - Interactive space with Sheryl’s keynote address and other resources

After a brief Q&A from the morning keynote, Sheryl will share the importance of blending learning with digital literacy skills to ensure success for our most at-risk students. Come hear Sheryl explore such questions as: What is 21st Century learning? Why is it important? And why using 21st Century Tools and learning strategies are critical to the at-risk student learning in a digital age.


An After-School Program with Dramatic Results: “Proud of the Skin I’m In”

Presenters: Jessica Owens, Tutor and Drama Consultant, Region XIV Education Service Center (TX)
Martha Smallwood, Program Director for Seeds of Success Program, Region XIV Education Service Center (TX)

Students in elementary and middle school who meet the McKinney-Vento Criteria as homeless are provided with an opportunity to be “Proud of the Skin I’m In.” This presentation shows how to use storytelling to help students understand formal and informal speech. Discipline is taught through dance and choreography, and academic assessment is enhanced by increasing vocabulary and self-esteem.


Fostering Literacy-Rich Environments for Homeless Parents & Children

Presenters: Kinara Flagg, Development Associate, Homes for the Homeless (NY)
Milli Kanani, Research Associate, Institute for Children and Poverty (NY)
Regina Paul, Managing Director, Institute for Children and Poverty (NY)

Homes for the Homeless’s family literacy specialists provide comprehensive early literacy education to children in our on-site daycare centers while also enhancing parents’ skills and confidence through our Together in Learning program. This workshop details curriculum materials, evaluation tools, and methods for adapting both to a variety of high-needs settings.


Promoting the Emotional and Social Well-Being of Homeless Children Through a Therapeutic Literacy Project

Presenters: Denise Morelli, Supervisor of Remedial Services and Federal Entitlements, Allegheny Intermediate Unit (PA)
Gail Arden Odorcich, Regional Coordinator, Region 4, Homeless Children’s Initiative (PA)

This workshop is designed to showcase how creating successful partnerships can provide opportunities to introduce literacy to homeless children using a unique connection (a therapy dog) to their social and emotional well-being. Fifteen years of service to homeless children has provided a myriad of opportunities to enrich the lives of homeless children. This presentation will feature one of them.


Keeping Children Connected

Presenters: Susan Lieberman, Project Director, Keeping Maine’s Children Connected (ME)
Shelley Reed, State Homeless Coordinator, Maine Department of Education (ME)

Presentation

Keeping Children Connected is a statewide initiative focusing on improving the educational outcomes of youth who experience disruption in their education due to homelessness, reintegration from correctional facilities, in-patient psychiatric care and/or foster care placement. Presenters will discuss program development, involvement of stakeholders, and integration into common practice.

Working with Children in Out-of-Home Care: Awaiting Foster Care and Beyond

Presenters: Casey Trupin, Staff Attorney, Columbia Legal Services (WA)
JooYuen Chang, Staff Attorney, Child Welfare and Mental Health Division, Children’s Defense Fund (DC)
Sarah Vesecky, Education Coordinator, Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles (CA)
Debbie Staub, Manager K-12 Education, Casey Family Programs, Seattle (WA)

This pre-conference will address the unique issues and challenges that arise in serving foster youth. It will provide information about how the child welfare system works, including foster care court proceedings/hearings, and the various placements that are available to youth in foster care. Finally, the panel will address the various interpretations of “awaiting foster care” and discuss approaches being implemented in different cities and states to comply with McKinney-Vento and serve the needs of foster youth. Included will be a discussion of legislative efforts, including California’s AB490.


Endless Dreams: Building Educational Support for Youth in Foster Care

Presenter: Debbie Staub, Manager K-12 Education, Casey Family Programs, Seattle (WA)

Endless Dreams: Building Educational Support for Youth in Foster Care video and curriculum was developed to showcase the great potential that schools have to support and enrich the lives of children in care. This presentation will highlight the Endless Dreams video and engage participants in planning efforts, resources and strategies that they can use to better support the educational outcomes of youth.


IDEA Reauthorization and Children in Foster Care

Presenters: Kathleen McNaught, Assistant Director, American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law (DC)
Janet Stocco, Staff Attorney, Education Law Center (PA)

Presentation

This session will highlight the new provisions for IDEA 2004 and recently released final regulations that accompany the new law. Special attention will be paid to the definition of parent, surrogate parent appointments, and other important advocacy issues that professionals working with children in foster care who qualify for special education need to know.


Child Welfare 101: Spectrum of Child Services: What a McKinney-Vento Liaison Needs to Know

Presenters: Casey Trupin, Staff Attorney, Columbia Legal Services (WA)
Sheryl Dicker, Executive Director, NY State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children (NY)
Jooyuen Chang, Staff Attorney, Child Welfare and Mental Health Division, Children’s Defense Fund (DC)

When schools interact with state or local child welfare agencies, they are often confused about how reports are processed, cases are handled, and the role of the court system in the process. This session will attempt to answer common questions from schools related to how the child welfare system works and what life is like for children while they are in foster care.


Myth-busting: Decision Making and Confidentiality Issues

Presenter: Kathleen McNaught, Assistant Director, American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law

Schools and child welfare agencies often struggle with their ability to exchange important information on children in foster care based on perceived confidentiality law restrictions. Another barrier to smooth information exchange and collaboration among schools and child welfare agencies is confusion over who can make education decisions. This session will address the common myths related to confidentiality and decision making and suggest ways to overcome legal barriers to help ensure educational success for children in foster care.


State Efforts to Advance Education Rights for Children in Foster Care

Presenters: Sarah Vesecky, Education Coordinator, Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles (CA)
Brian Baker, Staff Attorney, Juvenile Rights Project, Portland (OR)
Anne Blackledge, Education Program Manager, Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Administration (WA)
Connie Hickman Tanner, Director of Juvenile Courts, Administrative Office of the Courts (AR)
Joanne Miro, State Coordinator, Education for Homeless Children and Youth, Delaware Department of Education (DE)

Moderator: Kathleen McNaught, Assistant Director, American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law

Several states have made great strides to provide important education protections for children in foster care. This panel will consist of representatives from California, Oregon, Arkansas, Delaware, and Washington State to discuss implementation of laws that have passed in these state over the past few years related to the educational needs of children in foster care.


Promoting the Healthy Development of Young Children in Foster Care

Presenter: Sheryl Dicker, Executive Director, NY State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children (NY)

The presenter will examine challenges faced by the court and child welfare systems in meeting the needs of the growing population of infants entering foster care. Participants will learn about the profile of this cohort of children and interdisciplinary strategies that can enhance their healthy development and prospects for a permanent home. Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs of the IDEA as well as Early Head Start and Head Start also will be discussed.


Youth Aging Out of Care: Education and Housing Considerations

Presenters: Robin Nixon, Director, National Foster Care Coalition (DC)
Anne Blackledge, Education Program Manager, Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Administration (WA)
Deborah Schroth, Staff Attorney, Florida Legal Services, Jacksonville (FL)
Roxana Torrico, Director of Housing and Homelessness, Child Welfare League of America (VA)

Youth age out of foster care sometime between the ages of 18 and 21, depending on state law and other circumstances. These youth often do not have adequate assistance to maintain their housing or education pursuits. This panel will discuss the numerous barriers faced by youth aging out of care and will discuss strategies to improve their housing and education outcomes.

Young Homeless Children and Families: Strategies for Increasing Access to Services and Support

Presenters: Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, NAEHCY (DC)
Sarah Benjamin, Teacher Liaison, Mobile Outreach Parent-Child Home Program, Eastern Suffolk BOCES (NY)
Joanne Miro, Delaware McKinney-Vento State Coordinator, Delaware Department of Education (DE)
Mary Jane Quick, Youth Services Coordinator, Project Connect, Columbus Public Schools (OH)
Su Theriault, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, Horizons for Homeless Children (MA)
Grace Whitney, Ph.D., Connecticut Head Start Collaboration Director (CT)
Beth Snyder, Early Childhood Specialist, Anchorage Public Schools (AK)

Presentation

Infants who are homeless start life needing special care four times more often than other babies; toddlers experiencing homelessness show significantly slower development than other children. Despite the devastating impact of homelessness on young children, and the fact that 42% of children and youth experiencing homelessness are below the age of five, many barriers continue to exist to accessing early care and education programs; as a result, only 15% of homeless pre-schoolers are enrolled in preschool programs.

This session will provide information about the impact of homelessness on young children; the range of early care systems in our country (including child care, early Head Start, Head Start, IDEA Part C, and public pre-school), and strategies for removing barriers to those systems. Concrete strategies for creating partnerships and collaborations to increase access and support will be discussed.


Starting Young Homeless Children on a Pathway to Success

Presenter: Su Theriault, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, Horizons for Homeless Children (MA)

Each year 1.35 million young children experience homelessness. Half of them are under age six. What happens to them in these early years affects their whole lives. Participants will gain an understanding of the dramatic impact of homelessness on the developing child, the special needs of young homeless children, and will explore how to engage their parents and help them access early care and education.


Head Start 101

Presenters: Alice Ellovich, Policy Council Member, New Haven Board of Education Head Start/Early Head Start (CT)A
nne Giordano, Education/Disabilities Manager, Litchfield County Early Head Start, Torrington (CT)
Anneli Lisee, Homebased Manager, Thames Valley Council for Community Action Head Start, Norwich (CT)
Patti Passmore, Parent Involvement Manager, Thames Valley Council for Community Action Head Start, Norwich (CT)
Grace Whitney, Ph.D., Director, Connecticut Head Start Collaboration Office, Department of Social Services (CT)

Session Outline
Early Head Start
Head Start – Shelter Partnership
Policy Council Coordination

This workshop will share information about the Head Start commitment to providing services for young homeless children and families. Participants will learn about the important components of Head Start, including Early Head Start, parent involvement, comprehensive services, fatherhood initiatives and specific local collaborations to increase enrollment and attendance of young children experiencing homelessness. Participants will learn about how Head Start supports young homeless children and families, and how to use this information to help families access care.

Web Resources:

Head Start Bureau: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Community
National Head Start Association Issue Brief: Head Start Program Performance Standards
National Head Start Association Issue Brief: Head Start Works!


What About the Babies and Toddlers?

Presenter: Sarah Benjamin, Teacher Liaison, Mobile Outreach Parent-Child Home Program, Eastern Suffolk BOCES (NY)

Most homeless families have little or no access to any pre-school education for their youngest children. Research shows the early years are crucial for later school success. The Parent-Child Home Program is a nationally recognized and research-based early literacy and parent support home visiting program that has been successful in addressing this need. This session will offer practical guidance for replication of the program model, using McKinney-Vento local sub-grant funding.


Practical Strategies for Accessing Early Childhood Education

Presenters: Mary Jane Quick, Youth Services Coordinator, Project Connect, Columbus Public Schools (OH)
Beth Snyder, Early Childhood Specialist, Anchorage Public Schools (AK)

Over 40% of children living in homeless shelters are under the age of five, and therefore at an age where early childhood education can have a significant positive impact on their development and future academic achievement. Two school districts share their successful strategies in accessing early childhood education opportunities for children experiencing homelessness, including public preschool, Head Start, Title I, and IDEA Part C.

McKinney-Vento 101: Law and Implementation

Presenters: Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, NAEHCY (DC)
Joy Moses, Children and Youth Attorney, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (DC)

Presentation

This session will provide a basic overview of Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Selected parts of the Title I statute will also be discussed. Presenters will offer concrete strategies for implementing the law in school districts. Our goal is to help participants learn how to solve problems with the law, so that they can apply it to the real life situations that await them upon their return from the conference.


Complying with the McKinney-Vento Act

Presenters: Barbara James, Director, Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO)
Tim Stahlke, Senior Program Coordinator, Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO)

This workshop will focus briefly on the changing face of homelessness, contributing causes of homelessness, and other basics regarding the social, psychological and emotional conditions faced by children and youth in homeless situations, and the barriers that impede their education. Participants will learn techniques and experience activities that can be used to build an awareness of homelessness in their schools and communities. The workshop will also review all of the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act, including the definition of homelessness, school selection and enrollment provisions, transportation responsibilities, and the use of Title I, Part A, Set-Asides. Participants will discover an abundance of effective ways to address the core issues of educating students in homeless situations that can be adapted to the needs of their own schools and districts. The primary objective of this workshop is to give participants tools they can use to make sure the students they serve enroll in and attend school. This workshop is a half-day, stand-alone workshop intended for school district personnel, social service providers, and other practitioners who have been in the field for less than two years.


Advanced McKinney-Vento: The Finer Points of Law and Policy

Presenters: Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, NAEHCY (DC)
Joy Moses, Staff Attorney, Children and Youth Attorney, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, (DC)

Presentation

Participants will go beyond the basics of the McKinney-Vento Act and focus on complex issues in the implementation of law and policy. Geared toward seasoned liaisons and others who have experience in McKinney-Vento implementation, this session provides an opportunity to discuss grey areas of the law and tricky implementation issues with colleagues and representatives from national organizations. Topics will include school selection, transportation, unaccompanied youth, Title I coordination, and accountability. The session format is dialogue among peers, rather than lecture.


A New IDEA: Serving Children and Youth with Disabilities Experiencing Homelessness

Presenters: Patricia Julianelle, Pro Bono Counsel, NAEHCY
Patricia A. Popp, Ph.D., Virginia State Coordinator, College of William & Mary (VA)

Presentation

When students experiencing homelessness have disabilities, the challenges to address the specialized needs of the child or youth while adhering to the intent of both the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) and the McKinney-Vento Act can become extremely complex. For example, the McKinney-Vento Act requires immediate enrollment of students identified as homeless, yet IDEA requires appropriate documentation be provided before special education services can be initiated. For such requirements to be met systematically, greater collaboration across homeless educators, related service providers, and special education professionals must be established.

This session will highlight the legal rights of students under McKinney-Vento and IDEA, including the 2004 amendments and updates regarding the U. S. Department of Education IDEA regulations. The workshop will offer participants an opportunity to share promising practices and identify resources that can assist educators and other service providers. Using a case study approach, participants will identify potential challenges and solutions, including actions, key collaborators, and resources for effective service provision to this unique subgroup of students and their families.


National Homelessness Policy: What Lies Ahead?

Presenters: Brad Paul, Ph.D., Director, National Policy & Advocacy Council on Homelessness (LA and DC)
Jeremy Rosen, Director for Homelessness and Mental Health, Volunteers of America (VA)
Ruth White, Director of Housing and Community Development Policy, Catholic Charities USA (VA)


Chronic homelessness, 10-Year Plans, Housing First - these initiatives have dominated national homeless policy in recent years. However, there is growing concern about the impact of these and other homeless policies on local communities, and in particular on families, children, and youth. Learn about pending HUD McKinney-Vento legislation, to be considered next year, that will shape national homeless policy, and how you can get involved to make a difference.


The Future of the McKinney-Vento Act: A Forum on Reauthorization

Presenters: Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, NAEHCY (DC)
Joy Moses, Staff Attorney, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (DC)

As part of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress will begin consideration of the reauthorization of subtitle VII of the McKinney-Vento Act next year. Reauthorization offers a unique opportunity to shape the legislation to incorporate lessons learned from the past four years of implementation. Participants will learn about key reauthorization issues that have been explored by focus groups and national partners (such as transportation, enrollment, and Title I), and have a chance to weigh in on these and other issues.

Monitor reauthorization development with NAEHCY legislative updates.


Advocacy 101

Presenters: Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, NAEHCY (DC)
Jeremy Rosen, Director for Homelessness and Mental Health, Volunteers of America (VA)

Presentation

Want to make your voice heard on policies that have an impact on children, youth, and families in transition? This session will provide basic information on grassroots advocacy, including the difference between “lobbying” and “educating.” Practical techniques for meetings, letters, phone calls, relationship-building, and using the media as an advocacy tool will be provided. Come learn how you can make a difference!


Serving Immigrant and Refugee Students under the McKinney-Vento Act

Presenters: Seyoum Berhe, Director, Arlington Refugee Services, Arlington (VA) Frank Migali, Refugee Program Coordinator, Arizona Department of Education (AZ)
Jan Moore, Program Specialist, National Center on Homeless Education (NC)
Janis Shogren, Homeless Education Coordinator, Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee (WI)

School districts can have a tremendous impact on the success of immigrant and refugee students and families, but there are also significant challenges in serving these populations appropriately. This panel session will feature local, state, and national practitioners sharing their experiences with immigrants and refugee issues - particularly related to identification and eligibility for McKinney-Vento services.

Coordinating an Effective Identification and Tracking System in a School Division

Presenter: Lisa J. Von Dohlen, Coordinator of Social Work Services, Stafford County Public Schools (VA)

Session Handouts

Discover concrete strategies that will benefit your school district in effectively addressing the core issues of educating students in homeless situations. This presentation will explain the systematic process of how one school district established and maintains a comprehensive and user-friendly identification/tracking system. From educating school personnel, to developing forms, to building collaborative community relationships, this seminar is designed to provide ideas, materials, and defined procedures that can be implemented in local school districts.


“Tricks of the Trade”: Sharing the Wisdom of Seasoned Liaisons

Presenters: Mary Eaddy, Homeless Liaison, Marion School District (SC)
Dianne Lee Sepielli, Homeless Education Program Coordinator, School Board of Broward County (FL)
Kathi L. Sheffel, Homeless Liaison, Fairfax County Public Schools (VA)

Moderator: Christina Dukes, Program Specialist, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)

Broward County Information handout

Participate in this interactive forum in which experienced local homeless education liaisons will share their tested solutions to some of the stickiest homeless education issues. During the forum, panel members will discuss their successes in challenging areas. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask questions of their “seasoned” peers (panel and audience) and share their own tips. If you’re ready to learn how to put the law into practice more effectively, this is the session for you!


Disaster Preparation, Response, and Recovery

Presenters: Diana Bowman, Director, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)
Connie Thompson, Homeless Education Liaison, Houston Independent School District (TX)
Patricia Julianelle, Pro Bono Counsel, NAEHCY

Presentation

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, fires, earthquakes, school lock-downs: a wide variety of disasters can have a profound impact on schools and students. This session will provide hands-on strategies and tools to help schools prepare for disasters, respond efficiently, and manage long-term recovery, including an interactive self-assessment and advice from experienced McKinney-Vento staff.


Why Re-Invent the Wheel? Just Roll It

Presenter: Carolyn Coleman, Homeless Coordinator, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Baton Rouge (LA)

Louisiana Liaisons will share strategies and resources that were already in place at a time when Louisiana School Systems were novelists in disaster relief execution. They will also give insight into what role the Louisiana Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (LAEHCY) played in the process.


Moving from Compliance to Commitment

Presenters: Barbara James, Director, Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO)
Tim Stahlke, Senior Program Coordinator, Texas Homeless Education Office (THEO)

The primary focus for this institute will be the complex array of programs and activities in which successful liaisons are involved that link children and their families to vital, stabilizing services; key ingredients to understanding the target population; and the underlying factors that inspire an effective liaison’s commitment to overcoming the formidable roadblocks encountered when serving students in transition. Many schools and school districts are not equipped to understand and meet the needs of highly mobile and homeless students. These students present many challenges to school districts

As districts are charged with ensuring that all students receive comparable services and meet performance standards, schools and districts must be willing to develop approaches that work for these students who are in challenging, nontraditional situations. Participants will learn about successful strategies that districts use to help students in highly mobile and homeless situations succeed in school. This workshop is a half-day, stand-alone workshop intended for school district personnel, social service providers, and other practitioners wanting to explore “the next level” of implementing McKinney-Vento programs.


Supporting Homeless Children in Our Schools

Presenters: Jani Koester, Transition Education Program, Madison Metropolitan School District (WI)
Shannon Stevens, Transition Education Program, Madison Metropolitan School District (WI)

Using McKinney-Vento, Title I, Rotary Grant, and District money, the Transition Education Program from Madison WI provides services for homeless children in a variety of ways: through daylong support in the school sites, an after school program, transportation, community collaboration and outreach, networking, providing access to community resources and education, staff training and curriculum support (including a Staff Tip Book for Supporting mobile children) and more. This session is open to anyone who would like to hear about one school district’s idea for supporting homeless and mobile children.


Meeting The Needs of Rural/ Suburban Homeless Students

Presenter: Joseph Farago, Homeless Education District Liaison, Lewiston-Porter Central School District (NY)

This session will describe how the Lewiston-Porter Central School District (LPCSD) developed, implemented and evaluated a comprehensive homeless education assistance program that meets the needs of homeless students in a rural / suburban school district. The importance of aligning the district’s homeless education assistance program with the district’s Special Education, Academic Intervention Services, Extended Day, and Title I Programs will be emphasized.


A Tale of Two (NH) Cities

Presenters: Marty Brennan, Title I Director/Homeless Liaison, Rochester School Department (NH)
Kathy Erskine, Title I Social Worker/Homeless Liaison, Manchester School District (NH)

This is a grassroots presentation that will include a comparative description of the districts, clarification of the presenters’ roles as district liaisons, fundamental elements of program development (including essential team players and relationships to establish within the individual schools and throughout the district and communities), as well as practical guides for documenting and monitoring the processes. Ample opportunity for dialogue around successes and challenges will be included.


Yellow School Bus Project

Presenter: Yvonne Vissing, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at Salem State College (MA)

Starting a new school year is exciting, unless you are poor and cannot afford a backpack filled with necessary school supplies. Schools struggle with how to find resources for homeless students. The Yellow School Bus Project helps schools to work with local community groups to get students what they need for a successful year.


Transportation


Transportation 101: Getting a System in Place and Making It Work

Presenters: Jon Behrens, Homeless Liaison Specialist, Kalamazoo Public School District (MI)
Diana Bowman, Director, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)
George Fields, Homeless Liaison Coordinator, Fort Wayne Community Schools (IN)
Allen Jones, State Director of Pupil Transportation, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instructions (WA)
Gail LaVassar, Homeless Education & Readiness to Learn Coordinator, South Whidbey School District Consortia (WA)
Susan Whitener, Grant Coordinator, Cheboygan Otsego Presque Isle County (MI)

Participants in school districts that have not implemented a system for providing transportation to the school of origin or have a system in place that needs improvement will hear a panel of local liaisons discuss how they developed their systems and provide strategies for addressing common challenges. The session will review the McKinney-Vento law and US Department of Education Guidance related to transportation. Sample forms and a checklist will be provided.


Advanced Transportation: Tackling the Challenges

Presenters: Jon Behrens, Homeless Liaison Specialist, Kalamazoo Public School District (MI)
Diana Bowman, Director, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)
George Fields, Homeless Liaison Coordinator, Fort Wayne Community Schools (IN)
Allen Jones, State Director of Pupil Transportation, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instructions (WA)
Gail LaVassar, Homeless Education and Readiness to Learn Coordinator, South Whidbey School District Consortia (WA)
Susan Whitener, Grant Coordinator, Cheboygan Otsego Presque Isle County (MI)

This session is designed for participants who have systems in place to address the transportation needs of homeless children and youth, but wish to discuss some persistent and challenging issues. A panel will describe challenging issues that they have handled and invite input from the participants on additional strategies and approaches. Topics will include: inter-district transportation, timely arrangement of services, limited school and public transportation options, working with parents, and limited funding.


Going the Extra Mile: A Powerful Plan for Transporting Homeless Students

Presenters: Debbie Anstett, Homeless Facilitator, Everett Public Schools (WA)
Terrie DeBolt, Transportation Supervisor, Everett Public Schools (WA)
Dr. Sue Dedrick, Director of Categorical Programs, Everett Public Schools (WA)

Providing cost-effective, timely and student-friendly transportation for homeless students is a major challenge, but it can have an important impact on their school success. The presenters will share strategies for engendering collaboration among schools and agencies, and using a variety of transportation modes and methods to meet homeless students’ needs.


Parent Involvement


Parent Involvement in the Literacy Development of Homeless Children

Presenters: Lyn Burningham, Coordinator of Alternative Language Services, Jordan School District (UT)
Connie Crosby, Homeless Liaison, Jordan School District (UT)

Presentation
Literacy Survey

Effective parent involvement programs for parents of children and youth experiencing homelessness are essential for increased student achievement. This session will present the findings of a research study examining parent, teacher, and administrator perceptions of parental involvement among homeless families, and provide suggestions and strategies to help educators support homeless parents in the education of their children.


Designing Parenting Programs for Homeless Families: What Works?

Presenter: Mary Herrington, Coordinator, Richmond Regional Homeless Education Program (VA)

Presentation

This workshop is designed to assist shelter directors, case managers, child advocates, mental health professionals, and school personnel to develop a psychoeducational parenting group for homeless parents. Workshop participants will gain an understanding of the basic constructs of a psychoeducational model of parenting and how to adapt this model to meet the needs in various shelter environments, i.e., domestic violence shelters, emergency shelters and transitional shelters. A parenting curriculum will be available to all workshop participants.


Increasing Funding


Establishing New Revenue for Homeless Education Programs: The Project Connect Homeless Children’s Fund

Presenters: Trish Fries, Development Manager/School Community Coordinator, Cincinnati Public Schools (OH)
Debbie Reinhart, PCHCF Board Member, Project Connect Homeless Children’s Fund, Cincinnati (OH)

Session Outline
Children’s Fund Plan

Providing over $200,000 in support for the homeless education program in Cincinnati, the Project Connect Homeless Children’s Fund is excited to begin assisting other communities across the US in setting up their own PCHCF affiliate. Learn how this program could bring more resources and awareness for your students, and how to create this program in your city.


Stretching Your Resources: How McKinney-Vento Programs Can Gather Support from the Community

Presenter: Dianne Lee Sepielli, Homeless Education Program Coordinator, School Board of Broward County (FL)

Session Handout

In this workshop, the presenter will share ideas on overcoming the “red tape” of the school districts, becoming partners with agencies and local businesses to provide services. Tangible examples of getting monetary donations and services will be provided. New liaisons will learn “how to” strategies on everything from fund-raising to donations to other forms of support within your school district and from the community.


Collaboration with Federal Programs and Community Partners


Collaborating to Assist the Entire Family in Transition

Presenter: Bobbie Anderson, Homeless Liaison, Flagstaff Unified School District (AZ)

This session will present strategies that have been refined over the last thirteen years to identify and serve families in transition and educate school personnel and community members on the issues surrounding homelessness. Participants will be given examples of ways to collaborate with various educational programs, including Bilingual Education, Family Involvement, Title I, and Neglected and Delinquent. The session will emphasize serving the family as a whole to bring down barriers that may exist between students who are homeless and their education.


Getting the Word Out: Building Collaborations and a System of Support in Your State

Presenters: Helen Campbell, Coordinator, Opening Doors, Adult Learning Resource Center, Desplaines (IL)
Matt Hanafee, Executive Director, Illinois Coalition to End Homelessness (IL)
Eileen Worthington, Opening Doors, Regional Office of Education #26, Macomb (IL)

Opening Doors Newsletter, August 2006
Youth Brochure

How can Opening Doors, a statewide awareness initiative, continue to improve the understanding of the educational rights of homeless children and youth? First, by focusing on building collaborations within the school community and with other groups serving homeless families and children, and also by working to get information out to a larger audience. This session will provide a framework for developing a statewide system of collaboration between education providers and the larger network of service providers serving homeless families.


Getting a Seat at the Table: How to Access HUD Continuums of Care

Presenters: Elizabeth Hinz, District Liaison for Homeless and Highly Mobile Students, Minneapolis Public Schools (MN)
Janet Levin, Anchorage School District, Anchorage (AK)
Brad Paul, Ph.D., Director, National Policy & Advocacy Council on Homelessness (LA and DC)
Jeremy Rosen, Director for Homelessness and Mental Health, Volunteers of America (VA)
Ruth White, Director of Housing and Community Development Policy, Catholic Charities USA (VA)
Pittre Walker, Homeless Coordinator, Caddo Parish Schools, Shreveport (LA)
Patsy Williams, Supervisor, Homeless Children and Youth Program, Lafayette Parish Schools, Lafayette (LA)

Each year, over a billion dollars of federal money for homeless services and housing are made available to communities through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and are distributed to agencies through local Continuums of Care. Learn why and how school district liaisons have overcome barriers to getting a seat at the table, what services can be provided through HUD dollars, and how the resulting collaboration can raise the visibility of homeless families, children, and youth in your community.


Housing Agency and School District Collaborations to Serve Homeless Children and Families

Presenters: Gail Brocklebank, Homeless Liaison, Victoria Independent School District (TX)
Cathy Haller, Homeless Liaison, Mesa County School District, Grand Junction (CO)
Elizabeth Hinz, District Liaison for Homeless and Highly Mobile Students, Minneapolis Public Schools (MN)
Jan Moore, Program Specialist, National Center for Homeless Education (NC)
Lori Rosendahl, Voucher Program Supervisor, Grand Junction Housing Authority (CO)

Increasingly, housing authorities and school districts are partnering to serve homeless and highly mobile children and families to increase family and school stability. Panel session participants, who represent three collaborations across the country, share what they have learned and what you can expect from such a collaborative effort.


The Three “Cs”: Collaboration, Communication and Coordination

Presenter: Katherine Marshall-Polite, LCSW, Youth Development Manager, Office of Youth Development (NY)

Our guiding question is: How do we pool our resources in a way that enables us to provide optimum services to families in transitional housing? This session will focus on two issues: the benefits of, and the nuts and bolts of establishing an advisory council. We will describe some of the innovative services and programs that have been developed through a collaborative process involving school administrators, directors of housing facilities and clients.


Dynamics of Domestic Violence

Presenter: Terri Berger, Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is about power and control. This session will introduce the issue of domestic violence, discuss its causes and its effects on victims and children. Safety planning and tips for working with child witnesses of domestic violence will be considered.


Awareness and Outreach


Heard and Seen

Presenter: Diane Nilan, President and Founder, HEAR US Inc. (IL)

Hear Us web site: footage, newsletters, and more!

Diane, back from her cross-country trek interviewing homeless kids in non-urban areas, has a treasure of information! She will show her video featuring kids you may know. She will share trends and give her assessment of homelessness and McKinney-Vento effectiveness for the largely ignored non-urban part of the country. She’ll also solicit input on the final version of the training videos she is producing.


Increasing State-Wide Teacher Awareness of Children Who are Homeless

Presenters: Nancy Haas, Ph.D., College of Teacher Education and Leadership, Arizona State University (AZ)
Frank Migali, Refugee Program Coordinator, Arizona Department of Education (AZ)

This session will showcase a training DVD, created to raise the awareness of Arizona teachers and administrators regarding the importance of identifying children who are experiencing homelessness, the relevant laws impacting homeless education, and the services available to children and their families. This DVD will also be used in pre-service education for new teachers to understand homeless education.


Implementing A Project Homeless Connect Event in Your Community: Avoiding Pitfalls and Building on Other Communities’ Successes

Presenters: Becky Hicks, Homeless Liaison, Saint Paul Public Schools (MN)
Paul Paulos, Patrol Sergeant DPU, Saint Paul Police Department (MN)
Katherine Polite, Youth Development Manager, New York City Board of Education (NY)
Regina Ross, Student In Temporary Housing Content Expert, New York City Board of Education (NY)

Staff from Saint Paul Public Schools will discuss their unique approach to Project Homeless Connect, an exciting initiative aimed at reducing homelessness in local communities by providing a one-stop service delivery day. The project originated in San Francisco. In St. Paul, the event was led by the Police Department and was accomplished with no initial start up funds. Other cities across the nation will discuss their experiences, successes and problems to avoid when planning an event in your own community.


Using the Media as an Instrument of Education and Communities as Instructional Units

Presenters: John McGah, M.S.P.A., Senior Researcher at University of Massachusetts (MA)
Yvonne Vissing, Ph.D.., Professor of Sociology at Salem State College (MA)

The Give Us Your Poor project is a national public education initiative based at the University of Massachusetts Boston. This session will explore the “Learning From Homelessness” curricula developed for the Give Us Your Poor project. Components include a middle school curriculum, summer institute for teachers, undergraduate curriculum, and strategies for engaging schools, principals and teachers.


The Impact of Homelessness Beyond School Walls and as a Community Issue

Presenters: Ron Hertel, Washington State Readiness To Learn Coordinator, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (WA)
Gail LaVassar, Homeless Education & Readiness to Learn Coordinator, South Whidbey School District Consortia (WA)

When communities see the impact of homelessness beyond school walls and as an issue affecting everyone, their responses are more constructive. Through interactive activities and presentation of easy to replicate project models, attendees will have the opportunity to design a plan for engaging the community in their homeless education program.


Research Questions and Kids: How to Develop Practical Research Questions Aimed at Improving How You Serve Children and Youth

Presenters: Kinara Flagg, Development Associate, Homes for the Homeless (NY)
Milli Kanani, Research Associate, Institute for Children and Poverty (NY)
Regina Paul, Managing Director, Institute for Children and Poverty (NY)

A good question lies at the heart of good research. And good questions are not the sole domain of academics. Program and school administrators, teachers, social workers, parent advocates, and community activists often have burning questions about the homeless children and youth they serve. Often the answers to these questions can be derived through short-term quality research. This session will provide participants with the basic tools necessary to develop a practical, action-oriented research plan.


Checking Out the View: Are You Getting the Results You Want?

Presenter: Laura Tanner-McBrien, Program Manager, Fresno Unified School District (CA)

In this comprehensive presentation, one large urban district shares its strategies for assisting smaller districts throughout its county with program implementation. Fresno, as the fourth largest school district in California, will provide district homeless education research results and how program data can be compared to other district-wide outcomes. Free CD!


Lessons from Community Research about Homeless and Highly Mobile Students

Presenters: Judy Martinez, Director, National Center for School Engagement (CO)
Dana Scott, State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, Colorado Department of Education (CO)

This session is designed for anyone interested in what schools around the country are learning from employing participatory action research to study educational practices for homeless and highly mobile students. Now in its third year, the Web Based Professional Development Project, sponsored by the National Center for School Engagement, offers educators a stipend to study educational practices for these students in their schools. The panel will discuss results from the two previous years, particularly in the areas of parent involvement, homework, and welcoming school cultures.

Unaccompanied Homeless Children and Youth 101

Presenters: Karen Fessler, Adolescent Manager, Project Connect, Cincinnati Public Schools (OH)
Barb Dexter, Secondary Teacher Specialist, Child in Transition/Homeless Program, Anchorage School District (AK)
Jess Gotwals, Homeless Education Coordinator, Sumner School District (WA)
Patricia Julianelle, Pro Bono Counsel, NAEHCY
Casey Trupin, Staff Attorney, Columbia Legal Services (WA)

Unaccompanied homeless children and youth are homeless and not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. Often, they are young people who have run away, been asked to leave home, been abandoned, or left home with the consent of a parent. This session will present basic information about the unique needs of these students, review general legal issues, and offer practical strategies for implementation.


Advanced Unaccompanied Homeless Children and Youth

Presenters: Karen Fessler, Adolescent Manager, Project Connect, Cincinnati Public Schools (OH)
Barb Dexter, Secondary Teacher Specialist, Child in Transition/Homeless Program, Anchorage School District (AK)
Jess Gotwals, Homeless Education Coordinator, Sumner School District (WA)
Casey Trupin, Staff Attorney, Columbia Legal Services (WA)

This session offers an opportunity to go “beyond the basics” of serving unaccompanied homeless youth. Practical strategies from seasoned practitioners will be presented on issues such as identification, special education, negotiating education and social service systems, accessing higher education, and housing and health issues. This session will feature dialogue among peers as well as a panel presentation.


Strategies for Serving Unaccompanied Homeless Children and Youth

Presenters: Karen Fessler, Adolescent Manager, Project Connect, Cincinnati Public Schools (OH)
Barb Dexter, Secondary Teacher Specialist, Child in Transition/Homeless Program, Anchorage School District (AK)
Jess Gotwals, Homeless Education Coordinator, Sumner School District (WA)
Joy Moses, Children and Youth Attorney, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (DC)
Casey Trupin, Staff Attorney, Columbia Legal Services (WA)

Unaccompanied homeless children and youth are homeless and not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. Often, they are young people who have run away, been asked to leave home, been abandoned, or left home with the consent of a parent. These students have unique needs and present challenging questions. This pre-conference will review legal issues as well as practical strategies for ensuring access to education and needed services. The discussion will also seek to create a broader understanding of the lives and common experiences of youth who are on their own.


Health Care of Housing Distressed High School Students

Presenter: Yvonne Vissing, Director of the Center for Child Studies, Salem State College (MA)

Health care is a special problem for children who are homeless. In a random sample of 2,000 high school students, it was found that homeless children do not have access to health care, even for serious problems. Analysis of the US’s two-tiered health care delivery system is made as it pertains to poor and at-risk youth. This presentation will be especially useful for school nurses and administrators.


Educational Experiences of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: A Case Study of Chicago Public Schools

Presenter: Ann M. Aviles, University of Illinois at Chicago (IL)

This session will review current literature on the education of unaccompanied homeless youth. With Chicago serving as the context, the presenter will provide background information on Chicago Public School System’s (CPS) response to homeless students; past and current litigation regarding McKinney-Vento; and the current social-political climate having an impact on the educational opportunities and barriers for homeless students. Lastly, this presentation will describe the value of qualitative methods and Critical Race Theory (CRT) as tools to investigate the educational experiences of unaccompanied homeless youth.


Voices of Youth

Moderator: Barb Dexter, Secondary Teacher Specialist, Child in Transition/Homeless Program, Anchorage School District (AK)

This session provides an opportunity to hear directly from youth who have experienced homelessness (including current and former LeTendre scholars) and/or involvement in the child welfare system. Come learn about the barriers the students experienced, as well as the strategies, people, and resources that were helpful in overcoming these barriers.


Traumatic Stress and Body Awareness: Helping Children Heal

Presenters: Kathleen Guarino, Project Manager, National Center on Family Homelessness (MA) Kristina Konnath, Trauma Specialist, National Center on Family Homelessness (MA)

Presentation
Trainer’s Guide

This interactive session will help participants understand how traumatic stress affects children experiencing homelessness and how to help them heal. We’ll also offer an overview of an innovative physical and emotional awareness curriculum for young homeless children. Participants interested in implementing the curriculum can receive the materials for free.


Intervening in the Anger Cycle

Presenter: Nancy Thompson, Consultant, Youth Development/Prevention Educator (NC)

Conflict resolution activities for managing stress, emotional upset, or hyperactivity can improve outcomes for angry youth. As a volunteer dispute settlement mediator and youth educator, the presenter has observed and worked with youth from unstable backgrounds. Effective strategies for working through conflict with youth will be shared.


Homelessness and School Attendance: Focus on Sheltered Teens

Presenters: Dorette Ligons-Ham, Regional Coordinator/Educational Liaison, Homeless Children’s Initiative, School District of Philadelphia
Deborah McMillan, MSW, Assistant Vice President for Social Services, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation

Presentation

This workshop will describe a new partnership between the Philadelphia School District and Philadelphia Health Management Corporation (PHMC) to improve attendance and academic performance of homeless teens residing in two large family shelters. The presentation will cover data on the project, services offered by the School District and successful strategies to reduce truancy, improve school attendance and academic outcomes for teens.


Career Exploration for Homeless Students

Presenters: Katy Braziel, Title I Homeless Project, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)
Helen Fox, Director, Title I Homeless Project, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)
Nancy Kendall, Title I Homeless Project, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)
Carol Pitts, Title I Homeless Project, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)
Don Whatley, Title I Homeless Project, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)

The session will increase participants’ ability to motivate homeless students in making career choices. The session will describe the development of a career exploration program for secondary students, funding sources, and an incentive plan that encourages student participation. Potential roadblocks and successes will be examined during group discussion.