Combine public information campaigns, continuous staff education, and direct outreach to identify students experiencing homelessness¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Study districts increased self-referrals and staff referrals through several implementable channels. Staff "advertised available services to the public through posters, social media, podcasts, and radio ads"; conducted periodic training so school staff could recognize signs such as frequent lateness, absence, sleepiness in class, behavior changes, or inconsistent grooming; distributed newsletters and PowerPoint guides to counter turnover; and did direct outreach to at-risk families through programs such as food pantries. One liaison described training "every single grade level, every single department, food service, transportation, maintenance."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• School staff need to understand indicators of homelessness and the rights and services available, and districts need staff capacity to sustain training and outreach

Constraints¶

• Disclosure forms distributed at school entry are insufficient because housing status changes during the year, and staff turnover requires regular refreshers

Target Learners¶

• k–12 students experiencing homelessness who have not self-identified

Target Learning Goals¶

• identification of eligible students so they can access educational rights and services

Related Strategies¶

• Raise teacher awareness of new features through professional development and outreach
• Dedicate more staff time to homeless liaison responsibilities and designate school-site liaisons to improve identification and reengagement

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Levin, S., Espinoza, D., & Griffith, M. (2022). Supporting students experiencing homelessness: District approaches to supports and funding. Learning Policy Institute. https://doi.org/10.54300/557.894