West Virginia Department of Education Rebecca Derenge West Virginia McKinney-Vento Coordinator Federal Programs Meeting

1. West Virginia Department of Education Rebecca Derenge West Virginia McKinney-Vento Coordinator Federal Programs Meeting Title I and Homeless Education Program Collaboration: Bridging the Gaps

2. Workshop Overview This workshop will address: • The importance of collaboration with Title I • The importance of local educational agency (LEA) and community engagement • How to identify strategies to establish an effective partnership and creative program services

3. Possible Program Funding Sources • Title I • McKinney-Vento Assistance Grant • General Fund • Other Grants

4. Title I Regulations NCLB, Title I, Part A, Title X, Part C, Education for Homeless Children and Youth • The LEA shall reserve Title I, Part A funds to provide comparable services to homeless children that assist them to effectively take advantage of educational opportunities as provided to children in schools funded under Title I, Part A. This reservation requirement is not formula driven. The LEA shall reserve funds as are necessary to provide comparable services.

5. McKinney-Vento Eligible McKinney-Vento “HOMELESS” STUDENTS

6. Homeless Children Live: • In a shelter (family shelter, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter o transitional living program); • In a motel, hotel or weekly rate housing; • In a house or apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss (grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc.);

7. Homeless Students Live: • In an abandoned building, a car, at a campground or on the street; • In temporary foster care or awaiting foster care placement with an adult who is not the parent or legal guardian; • In substandard housing (no electricity, no water, and/or no heat); or • With friends or family because they are a runaway or unaccompanied youth.

8. Title I Regulations (Cont.) • LEAs will demonstrate coordination with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title X, Part C.

9. Title I Regulations (Cont.) • LEAs will adopt policies and practices to ensure that homeless children and youths are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless.

10. Title I Regulations (Cont.) • LEAs will designate an appropriate staff person as a LEA liaison for homeless children and youths, who will fulfill his/her required duties and ensure equal access to a free, appropriate public education for homeless children and youths.

11. Title I Regulations (Cont.) • LEAs will adopt policies and practices to ensure that transportation is provided or arranged for homeless children and youths, at the request of the parent or guardian, to and from the school of origin for the duration of their homelessness.

12. Title I Reservation Set Aside • The reservation is not determined by a set formula • It is determined by the LEA, as appropriate • Varies by state

13. Examples of Set Aside Determinations Method #1: Identify homeless students’ needs and fund accordingly. Method #2: Obtain count of homeless students, and multiply by Title I, Part A per-pupil allocation.

14. Examples of Set Aside Determinations (Cont.) Method #3: Reserve an amount of funds greater than or equal to the amount of your Mckinney-Vento subgrant request. Method #4: Reserve a specific percentage based on your district’s poverty level or Title I, Part A allocation.

15. Allowable Uses for Homeless Education Set Asides • Provide academic support as well as non-academic support to homeless students in non-Title I schools • Provide activities other than direct instruction that promotes student achievement • Meet basic needs (clothing, supplies, health) of homeless students • Support homeless liaison position • Hire special teachers, aides, and tutors to provide supplemental instruction • Reach out to parents in homeless situations • Provide before-, after-school, or summer programs • Collect data on homeless students • Provide emergency food while the student is in school, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks

16. Allowable Uses for Homeless Education Set Asides (Cont.) • Defray costs for medical, vision and dental expenses • Pay fees associated with obtaining birth certificates or immunizations • Pay the cost of General Education Development Test (GED) for homeless students • Pay the cost of GED for homeless parents • Provide transportation to and from after-school programs • Provide transportation to and from the school of origin after the child becomes permanently housed • Provide the cost of cap and gown to wear at graduation • Provide the cost of class projects or field trips

17. Community Outreach • Collaborative Efforts • Create a community collaborative or task force • Involve district and school personnel (including Title I), school board members and city council persons • Need the community to keep issue in front • Media/ Public Relations • Radio • Newspaper • Event announcements • Share news with district, school personnel, and community partners

18. Next Steps • Establish working relationship with Title I office • Expand policy implementation • Bring message to district staff, parents, and community agencies • Include or increase collaborative initiatives resources on behalf of homeless youth and their families • Expand research for available funding sources • Expand outreach efforts to parent organizations

19. Contact Information Rebecca Derenge McKinney-Vento Coordinator West Virginia Department of Education 304-558-7881 x 53204 rderenge@access.k12.wv.us