The number of homeless students has swelled by 70 percent over the past decade. For Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know.
Those intense academic needs are compounded when schools begin to see multiple homeless students in the same schools—many of which also serve other low-income students. Under the federal law, districts must perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights and, most significantly, they must break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. And many more districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they do identify. And they must provide transportation so children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they’re now outside the attendance boundaries. Is this actually what we want?’” The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. It’s possible that some school districts genuinely | and high school graduation rates, and while many states have been slow to report the data, deep academic gulfs have come to light between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing. When that happens, “we’re not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless,” said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. “And school is stability.” A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them. Other changes in the law that are likely to focus public attention have to do with how easy schools make it for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. “Clearly, as the numbers increase, someone who has this role on top of many other
The number of homeless students has swelled by 70 percent over the past decade. For Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know.
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New York|114,000 Students in N.Y.C. Are Homeless. These Two Let Us Into Their Lives.
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114,000 Students in N.Y.C. Are Homeless. These Two Let Us Into Their Lives.
ByELIZA SHAPIROandBRITTAINY NEWMANNOV. 19, 2019

114,000 Students in N.Y.C. Are Homeless. These Two Let Us Into Their Lives.

Written byEliza Shapiro; Photographs byBrittainy Newman
Darnell, 8, lives in a homeless shelter and commutes 15 miles a day to school.
Sandivel shares a bedroom with her mother and four brothers. She is 10 and has moved seven times in the past five years.
The number of school-age children in New York City who live in shelters or “doubled up” in apartments with family or friends has swelled by 70 percent over the past decade — a crisis without precedent in the city’s history.
By day, New York’s 114,085 homeless students live in plain sight: They study on the subway and sprint through playgrounds. At night, these children sometimes sleep in squalid, unsafe rooms, often for just a few months until they move again. School is the only stable place they know.
The New York Times followed Darnell and Sandivel for one day, from sunrise to sunset, to capture how much effort, help and luck it takes for homeless children to have a shot at a decent education.
Morning
Sandivel gets up just before 6 a.m. She shares a bed with her mother, Maria, and youngest brother, Jonni; three other brothers sleep on a thin mattress on the ground. With no space for a nightstand, the cellphone that doubles as an alarm clock is stashed in the bed.
They have tried to make their space cheerful. The walls, which are painted to look like the sky on a summer day, are plastered with posters of Barack Obama and the Virgin Mary.
Two at a time, the children brush their teeth. Staggering is essential — the family shares the bathroom and the kitchen of the two-bedroom apartment with another family of four.
“I have a lot of people with me, but they comfort me,” says Sandivel, who goes by Sandy.
Sandy has a collection of hair bows lined up on a wall in the bedroom. She picks a different one each morning on her way out.
Maria packs Sandy’s lunch: a bag of cheese puffs, from a huge tub in the kitchen she bought on a recent Costco run. The children make the sign of the cross and head out the door. Ahead of them is an hour commute from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, to the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Sandy is one of over 73,000 homeless students who lived “doubled up” last year. In one place Sandy’s family used to live, a roommate tried to kill a neighbor. In another apartment, the family was barred from using the kitchen by their housemates and had to eat in the bedroom.
Her mother is supporting the family on meager savings and spends each day looking for a steady job, but she is running out of money. Rent for her room is about $700 a month.
Maria commutes with her children to and from school every day, which means she needs to find a job with predictable daytime hours.
On the subway, Sandy looks up from her book and notices an exhausted-looking child standing in front of her. She gives up her seat.
The children enrolled at Public School 188 after Maria fled a relationship she said was abusive and moved into a domestic violence shelter in the neighborhood. Sandy says there was “violence” at home. “We got through it,” she says, pointing her index finger forward, “and we forgot all about it.”
Across the city in Queens, Darnell opens his eyes and knows something is wrong as soon as he sees the brightening sky. It is not yet 6:30, but he is already late.
His mother, Sherine, shouts for the school bus driver to wait, but the driver does not hear. The children slept only a few hours. Sherine’s phone was stolen, and the family spent the evening in a police station. They collapsed into bed after midnight.
Darnell is dreading the 90-minute subway commute from his shelter in Jamaica, Queens, to his school in Harlem. He and his family rode the F train for the first month of school, because their legally mandated school bus didn’t show up.
The shelter is dingy and far away from anyone Darnell knows. But it is safer and more spacious than the cramped room he used to share with his siblings and mother at his grandmother’s house. Darnell, who is in fourth grade, has already shuffled through four schools.
Like her son, Sherine has never had a home to call her own for long. She was raised by her grandmother until she was 12, then lived in foster care. She entered a shelter when she was 18, and has been in and out of the shelter system ever since.
Sherine, 35, has eight children. The five eldest were removed from her care years ago when she was living with their father, who she says was abusive.
Sherine, who recently found work as a home health aide, is desperate to get her own place. “No kid should have to grow up in a shelter,” she says.
Afternoon
English class is a haven for Sandy. She adores her teacher, her notebooks are meticulous and she keeps a log of the books she has devoured. But even though Sandy seems to breeze through her days, the principal, Suany Ramos, still worries about her.
Ms. Ramos says she is frustrated that at a school where about half of the students are homeless, there is only one social worker. The school’s staff, she says, is overwhelmed by children in acute crisis.
“No one is going to look at Sandivel and say, ‘She needs help,’” Ms. Ramos says, adding that Sandy will eventually have to confront her trauma.
After prodding from activists, Mayor Bill de Blasio added 31 new social workers who specifically focus on homeless students to city schools this year. That brought the total of social workers to about 100 — all of whom were hired under Mr. de Blasio — at a cost of roughly $14 million a year. The Education Department’s annual budget is about $24 billion.
There have been flashes of bullying in Sandy’s homeroom, but she mostly floats above it.
She gives a high-five to a boy in her class even after it is established among her friends that boys have cooties.
On the playground, Sandy grows upset as she watches a friend of hers mock another girl.
“She’s my friend, but I don’t know if she should be or not,” Sandy says of the bully.
At the start of recess at Public School 76, Darnell grabs a football with one end split open amid yelps of “Hike!” from the boys he usually plays with.
Within minutes, there is a dispute over the rules of the game, and the boys end up in a circle, shoving one another. The principal, Charles DeBerry, tries to talk Darnell down.
Mr. DeBerry says he is grateful that students, including Darnell, feel comfortable coming to him with problems. But he wishes there were an additional guidance counselor to specifically help the roughly 30 percent of his students who are homeless.
During lunch, Darnell peels the cheese off a slice of pizza and eats it. Then, his day begins to unravel.
He snaps at a classmate in the hall, telling him to hurry up. The boy spins around and pushes Darnell, who falls on the cold linoleum floor. After the fight, Darnell’s teacher notices that he is crying in class and she summons the guidance counselor.
“I kept my hands to myself,” Darnell says. Eventually, both boys apologize in a near-whisper. Darnell tells the guidance counselor he is bored and doesn’t want to go back to class.
School can be dull for Darnell, a fourth grader, because he often finds it bewildering. He has a learning disability and struggles to read.
Over 70 percent of the city’s homeless students failed state English exams last year, and less than 60 percent of homeless children graduated from the city’s public high schools.
Darnell comes to life in computer class, where he shows off his agility at math, matching patterns and filling in multiplication tables. He whispers “Bam!” whenever he gets an answer right.
Darnell spends the rest of the afternoon teetering on the edge of another scuffle and fidgeting in his chair.
After classes are finished, Darnell spends another three hours in an after-school program. His eyes are glazed over, but football practice is still to come.
Evening
After school, Sandy’s 15-year-old brother, Jesus, begins a daily ritual: walking through P.S. 188’s cavernous gym, picking up his younger siblings and making sure they use the bathroom before the long commute home.
For them, the crosstown bus is a mobile library. The children pull out homework, and Sandy flips through her younger brother Giovanni’s assignments. “Pretty easy,” she concludes.
The children race to embrace their mother when they meet her in Union Square during the evening rush. On the crowded subway, Sandy helps Jonni unbutton his sweater so he can slide off his backpack. Maria passes around a king-sized Kit Kat bar and a bottle of Gatorade for all of them to share.
At 6 p.m., Darnell bounds into the school’s main office to get ready for football practice with his brother, Thomas. Practice helps Darnell stay focused. He worships his coach and listens intently for instructions before starting drills.
Sherine is a “football mom,” a crucial part of the team. She helps stretch the boys’ jerseys over their hulking shoulder pads and walks the players to a field a few blocks north.
Darnell zips down the field with his arms by his sides, his fists clenched, daring his teammates to tackle him.
After years of being bullied, Darnell has made his first group of friends through football. “It makes me feel good that he feels safe now,” Sherine says. But, she adds, “I want him to have his own spot and have his friends come over.”
Sherine’s voice breaks. “I feel like a failed parent,” she says, adding, “I should have been able to provide everything that they need.” She has just spent her entire day helping out at the school.
Sherine’s heartbreak reflects that of parents who cared for the 34,000 students sleeping in New York’s homeless shelters last year — enough children to fill a small city.
Sandy stands on her tiptoes and squints across the East River as the N train pulls onto the Manhattan Bridge. She watches the skyline until the train dips underground.
She hopes the family will gather in the bedroom to watch an episode of “Cake Boss” or “Tom and Jerry” on the small television that sits on top of two dressers.
By the end of football practice, Darnell and his siblings are exhausted and hungry. Sherine is making a mental inventory of what is left of the food at the shelter; she hopes they will eat some defrosted chicken by 10.
They will be up before the sun rises to do it all over again.
Additional reporting by Andrea Salcedo. Produced by Andrew Hinderaker and Meghan Louttit
An earlier version of this article misidentified the neighborhood where Public School 76 is located. It is in Harlem, not East Harlem.

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How a Garden for the Poor Became a Playground for the Rich
Those intense academic needs are compounded when schools begin to see multiple homeless students in the same schools—many of which also serve other low-income students. Under the federal law, districts must perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights and, most significantly, they must break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. And many more districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they do identify. And they must provide transportation so children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they’re now outside the attendance boundaries. Is this actually what we want?’” The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. It’s possible that some school districts genuinely have fewer homeless students than this benchmark predicts. “It’s a matter of those students and families having those supports and resources that they deserve.” Data on student homelessness is collected by districts and funneled to the federal government by states, which can choose to leave out any districts that did not report having any homeless students. We assume they identified no homeless students, since they’re not in federal data. Even as their numbers rise rapidly, homeless students are getting harder for schools to find. The requires states to track homeless students’ academic achievement and high school graduation rates, and while many states have been slow to report the data, deep academic gulfs have come to light between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing. When that happens, “we’re not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless,” said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. “And school is stability.” A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them. Other changes in the law that are likely to focus public attention have to do with how easy schools make it for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. “Clearly, as the numbers increase, someone who has this role on top of many other roles would not have the time or capacity to serve those families or even to identify all the students who might be in homeless situations,” Nix-Hodes said. “They tell me, ‘We’re going to take care of all of our students, whether we identify them as homeless or not,’’’ Smith said.
## The Number of Homeless Students Has Swelled by 70 Percent Over the Past Decade. For Darnell and Sandy, School is the Only Stable Place They Know.

The bell rings, signaling the start of another school day. For most students, it's a routine transition, a familiar rhythm. But for Darnell and Sandy, it's a lifeline. School is more than just a place of learning; it's a sanctuary, a haven from the instability that defines their lives.

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students in America has surged by a staggering 70 percent. This alarming trend paints a stark picture of a growing crisis, one that is placing immense pressure on schools and communities. For Darnell and Sandy, like many other homeless youth, school is the only constant in their lives. It's a place where they can access a warm meal, a safe space, and the support of caring adults.

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates that schools identify and assist homeless students, ensuring they have access to essential services like transportation and educational support. However, a recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity suggests that roughly 300,000 students who qualify for these rights are slipping through the cracks, unidentified by the very institutions meant to help them.

This undercounting is a symptom of a larger problem. Many school districts, already stretched thin by budget constraints and competing priorities, struggle to effectively identify and serve homeless students. The complexities of identifying students experiencing homelessness, coupled with a lack of resources and awareness, contribute to this systemic failure.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," says Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

The consequences of this failure are profound. Homeless students face significant academic challenges, often lagging behind their peers in reading, math, and graduation rates. The trauma of homelessness, coupled with the constant stress of finding shelter and food, takes a toll on their ability to learn and thrive.

As the number of homeless students continues to rise, the need for comprehensive and effective support systems becomes increasingly urgent. Schools must be equipped with the resources and training necessary to identify and assist these vulnerable students. This includes dedicated staff, specialized programs, and partnerships with community organizations that can provide wraparound services.

The story of Darnell and Sandy is a reminder that behind the statistics are real children, facing real challenges. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to the power of education. By investing in our homeless students, we are investing in their future and the future of our communities. We must ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed. 



## The Number of Homeless Students Has Swollen by 70 Percent Over the Past Decade. For Darnell and Sandy, School is the Only Stable Place They Know.

The bell rings, signaling the start of another school day. For most students, it's a familiar sound, a routine part of life. But for Darnell and Sandy, it's a lifeline. School is more than just a place to learn; it's a refuge, a sanctuary from the instability that defines their lives.

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students in America has surged by a staggering 70 percent. This crisis is unfolding in classrooms across the country, with schools struggling to meet the complex needs of these vulnerable children.

Darnell and Sandy are just two of the countless students navigating the challenges of homelessness. Their story is a stark reminder of the hidden epidemic quietly affecting our nation's youth.

While Darnell and Sandy find solace in the structure and support of school, the reality is that many districts are ill-equipped to adequately address the needs of homeless students.

Federal law mandates that schools identify and provide essential services to homeless students, including transportation, academic support, and access to essential resources. However, a recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity revealed that an estimated 300,000 students entitled to these rights are slipping through the cracks, unidentified by the very institutions meant to help them.

The reasons for this undercounting are complex. Some districts may lack the resources or training to effectively identify homeless students. Others may face systemic barriers, such as language differences or distrust of authority, which prevent families from seeking assistance.

The consequences of this failure are profound. Homeless students face significant academic challenges, often struggling to keep up with their peers due to frequent moves, lack of stable housing, and the emotional toll of their circumstances.

"When that happens, 'we’re not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless,'” said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. “And school is stability.”

The academic gap between homeless students and their housed peers is stark. While many states have been slow to report data on graduation rates for homeless youth, the available information paints a bleak picture, revealing deep disparities in educational outcomes.

This crisis demands urgent action. We must hold school districts accountable for identifying and supporting homeless students. We need increased funding for programs that address the unique needs of these children, including access to mental health services, tutoring, and stable housing.

Darnell and Sandy's story is a call to action. It's a reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. By investing in our most vulnerable students, we invest in the future of our communities.

The time for complacency is over. We must act now to ensure that school is truly a place of safety, stability, and opportunity for all children. 

## The Number of Homeless Students Has Swelled by 70 Percent Over the Past Decade. For Darnell and Sandy, School Is the Only Stable Place They Know.

The bell rings, signaling the start of another school day. For Darnell and Sandy, it’s more than just the beginning of classes; it's a beacon of stability in an otherwise chaotic world. They are among the growing number of students experiencing homelessness in America, a population that has surged by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade. 

While the statistics paint a bleak picture, Darnell and Sandy’s story is a testament to the crucial role schools play in the lives of homeless youth. School, for them, is a sanctuary, a place where they can find warmth, structure, and a sense of normalcy amidst the uncertainty of their living situation.

The federal McKinney-Vento Act mandates that schools identify and provide support to homeless students, ensuring they have access to essential resources like transportation and free meals. However, the reality on the ground is often far more complicated. A Center for Public Integrity analysis revealed that roughly 300,000 students eligible for these critical services are slipping through the cracks, unidentified by the very institutions meant to protect them.

The reasons for this undercounting are multifaceted. Some schools lack the resources or training to effectively identify homeless students, while others may simply be overwhelmed by the sheer number of students in need. The definition of homelessness itself can be narrow, often excluding students in precarious housing situations like couch-surfing or doubled-up living arrangements.

“We’re not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless,” says Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools.

This lack of accurate data makes it difficult to hold schools accountable for failing to meet the needs of homeless students. The consequences are dire.  Studies show a stark academic gap between homeless students and their stably housed peers. Graduation rates for homeless youth lag significantly behind, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

The challenges are compounded when schools see a surge in homeless students, many of whom may also be dealing with other socioeconomic disadvantages. This puts a strain on already stretched resources and requires schools to adopt innovative approaches to address the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

Despite the hurdles, there are glimmers of hope. Schools across the country are implementing innovative programs to support homeless students, from providing on-site social workers and counselors to offering after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. These initiatives recognize that addressing the academic needs of homeless students requires a holistic approach that tackles the root causes of their instability.

For Darnell and Sandy, school represents more than just textbooks and classrooms; it’s a lifeline, a place where they can dream of a brighter future. As the number of homeless students continues to rise, ensuring that schools have the resources and support they need to meet their needs is not just a moral imperative, it’s an investment in the future of our society.




## The Number of Homeless Students Has Swollen By 70 Percent Over The Past Decade. For Darnell and Sandy, School Is The Only Stable Place They Know.

Darnell and Sandy, two students navigating the turbulent waters of homelessness, find solace and stability in the predictable rhythms of the school day. For them, the classroom walls and familiar faces of teachers are a refuge from the uncertainty of their lives outside. Sadly, their story is becoming increasingly common.

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students in the United States has surged by a staggering 70 percent, painting a stark picture of the growing crisis facing our nation's most vulnerable children. This alarming trend places an immense strain on schools, many of which are already grappling with the challenges of serving high concentrations of low-income students.

Federal law mandates crucial protections for homeless students, including outreach initiatives, public notices of their rights, and the crucial task of calculating high school graduation rates specifically for this vulnerable population.  Districts are also obligated to provide transportation, enabling students to remain in their original school even if their living situation forces them to move outside the designated attendance boundaries.

However, a worrying reality is emerging: many districts are struggling to accurately identify and support homeless students. A Center for Public Integrity analysis of federal education data revealed that an estimated 300,000 students entitled to these essential rights are slipping through the cracks, unnoticed and unsupported.

This undercounting has dire consequences. Not only does it deprive homeless students of vital assistance, but it also obscures the true extent of the crisis, hindering the development of effective solutions. The gap in educational outcomes between homeless students and their housed peers is already significant, and it’s likely even wider than reported data suggests.

"When we don't accurately count our homeless students, we're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless," explains Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

The reasons for undercounting are complex and multifaceted. Limited resources, administrative overburdens, and a lack of awareness among school staff can all contribute to the problem. Moreover, the transient nature of homelessness itself makes it difficult to track these students accurately.

Advocates are calling for increased accountability measures to ensure that school districts are fulfilling their legal obligations to homeless students. They are also urging for greater investment in resources and training for educators to better identify and support these children.

For Darnell and Sandy, the struggle for stability extends beyond the classroom walls. But within the safe haven of their school, they find a sense of normalcy and belonging. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a quality education and the support they need to thrive.

The challenge is immense, but by acknowledging the scope of the problem and working collaboratively to implement effective solutions, we can create a system that truly serves all of our children. Only then can we hope to provide Darnell, Sandy, and countless other homeless students with the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

## School Becomes Haven as Homeless Student Population Soars 70 Percent


The hallways of public schools across America are becoming havens for a burgeoning population: homeless students. Over the past decade, the number of children experiencing homelessness has **swelled by a staggering 70 percent**, according to a recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity. For many like Darnell and Sandy, school is the only guaranteed source of stability in their lives, a safe space amidst the turbulence of housing insecurity.

The crisis is compounded by the fact that many schools already serve a high percentage of low-income students, meaning resources are stretched thin. While the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates support for homeless students, implementation varies across districts, leaving many children without the assistance they desperately need.

Schools are obligated to identify homeless students, provide transportation so they can remain in their original school even if they lose their housing, and break out graduation rates for this vulnerable population. **However, a significant undercounting problem persists.**

“It’s possible that some school districts genuinely don’t understand the full scope of the problem,” said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. “And school is stability.” She emphasizes the crucial role schools play in providing a sense of normalcy and continuity for students facing homelessness.

The Center for Public Integrity’s analysis reveals that **roughly 300,000 students who qualify for homeless student rights are slipping through the cracks**, unidentified by the very institutions designed to help them. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for improved identification and outreach efforts.

Beyond basic necessities, the academic needs of homeless students are immense. Data reveals a stark gap in graduation rates between homeless students and their stably housed low-income peers, highlighting the profound impact housing instability has on educational attainment.

As the homeless student population continues to rise, advocates urge for greater accountability from school districts, including more robust data reporting and stringent enforcement of existing federal mandates.

**“Clearly, as the numbers increase, someone who has this role on top of many other responsibilities has to say, ‘Is this actually what we want?,”** asks Kinzley, emphasizing the need for schools to prioritize the needs of this vulnerable student population. Ensuring that school truly acts as a haven for homeless students, offering stability and support, is not just a moral imperative, but a crucial step towards breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.



Title: The Escalating Crisis of Homeless Students: How Schools and Society are Failing to Address the Issue

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students has surged by a staggering 70 percent, leaving many children like Darnell and Sandy to rely on schools as the only stable place they know. This alarming trend, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, raises serious questions about the role of schools in addressing homelessness and the accountability of education systems in providing essential support for these vulnerable students.

The federal law mandates that school districts identify and support housing-unstable students, including providing transportation and breaking out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, a Center for Public Integrity analysis reveals that approximately 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have gone unidentified by the school districts responsible for helping them. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of current policies and the capacity of schools to address the complex needs of homeless students.

Moreover, the deep academic gulfs between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing further highlight the challenges faced by homeless youth. In many cases, schools are failing to provide adequate support, leaving these students at a significant disadvantage. As Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, points out, "when that happens, 'we're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless.' And school is stability."

The lack of accountability and oversight in ensuring that school districts properly identify and support homeless students is a critical issue. The federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to hold districts accountable if they fail to provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. This highlights the need for stronger measures to ensure that schools are meeting their obligations and providing the necessary support for homeless students.

To address this crisis, schools must prioritize the identification and support of homeless students, ensuring that they have access to essential resources and services. This includes providing transportation, counseling, and academic support, as well as creating a safe and welcoming environment that fosters stability and security.

Furthermore, there is a need for increased public awareness and engagement in addressing homelessness among students. This can be achieved through public campaigns, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts that highlight the challenges faced by homeless youth and the importance of providing adequate support.

In conclusion, the escalating crisis of homeless students requires urgent action and a collective effort from schools, communities, and society as a whole. By prioritizing the identification and support of homeless students, increasing public awareness and engagement, and implementing stronger accountability measures, we can help ensure that all students have access to the education and resources they need to thrive.
Title: The Escalating Crisis of Homeless Students: How Schools and Society are Failing to Address the Issue

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students in the United States has swelled by a staggering 70 percent. For many of these students, school is the only stable place they know. However, schools are often ill-equipped to handle the complex needs of this vulnerable population.

Under federal law, school districts are required to perform outreach to housing-unstable students, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, and there are few options for holding districts accountable if they fail to provide assistance.

Moreover, the academic needs of homeless students are often compounded by the fact that many also come from low-income families and may be dealing with other challenges such as trauma, mental health issues, and food insecurity. This can lead to significant academic gaps between homeless students and their stably housed peers.

According to Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, "when that happens, 'we're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless.' And school is stability."

A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them. This highlights the need for better identification and support systems for homeless students.

In addition to better identification and support systems, schools can also take steps to make it easier for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. This can include providing transportation so that students can remain in the school they attended before becoming homeless, even if they are now outside the attendance boundaries.

However, these efforts will require significant resources and support from both the federal government and state education departments. It is crucial that we prioritize the needs of homeless students and work to ensure that they have access to the education and support they need to succeed.

In summary, the escalating crisis of homeless students is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By improving identification and support systems, making it easier for homeless youth to continue their education, and prioritizing the needs of this vulnerable population, we can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their housing status.
Title: The Escalating Crisis of Homeless Students: How Schools and Society are Failing to Address the Issue

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students in the United States has swelled by a staggering 70 percent. For many of these students, including Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know. However, instead of providing the necessary support and resources to help these students succeed, many school districts are falling short, leaving these vulnerable children without the assistance they are entitled to.

The federal law requires districts to perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, and the federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to provide proper assistance.

Moreover, the deep academic gulfs between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing have come to light. In many cases, schools are not even including most of the kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless. This lack of identification and support is particularly concerning, given that school is often the only source of stability for these students.

A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them. This number is likely to increase as the law focuses public attention on how easy schools make it for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions.

However, providing transportation so children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they're now outside the attendance boundaries, is not enough. School districts need to do more to address the root causes of homelessness among students and provide the necessary support and resources to help them succeed. This includes providing access to mental health services, food assistance programs, and other resources that can help address the challenges these students face.

In conclusion, the escalating crisis of homeless students is a societal issue that requires a comprehensive solution. Schools, government agencies, and communities must work together to identify and support these vulnerable students, ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance they need to succeed. Only then can we begin to address the deep-seated issues that lead to homelessness among students and create a more equitable and just society.
Title: The Escalating Crisis of Homeless Students: How Schools and Society are Failing to Address It

The number of homeless students in the United States has swelled by 70 percent over the past decade, with many of them relying on schools as the only stable place they know. This alarming trend, which affects the academic and personal lives of hundreds of thousands of children, has exposed the inability of school districts and society at large to adequately address the needs of this vulnerable population.

The federal law requires districts to perform outreach, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, the system is failing to ensure that schools live up to these obligations. The Center for Public Integrity analysis reveals that approximately 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

Moreover, the academic needs of homeless students are often compounded by their housing instability, and the challenges they face are exacerbated when schools have to accommodate multiple homeless students, many of whom also come from low-income families. Despite the legal requirements, many school districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, and holding districts accountable for their failure to provide assistance is difficult.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to enforce the law, and homeless students continue to fall through the cracks. This is particularly concerning given the deep academic gulfs that have emerged between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing.

Schools can play a critical role in supporting homeless students by providing transportation and ensuring that they can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless. However, these efforts are often insufficient, and the lack of resources and support provided to school districts and homeless students themselves is a significant obstacle to addressing this crisis.

To address this issue, society must recognize the importance of investing in the education and well-being of homeless students. This includes providing adequate resources and support to school districts, as well as ensuring that homeless students have access to the services and support they need to succeed in school and beyond.

We must also recognize that homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty, housing affordability, and access to mental health services, is critical to ensuring that homeless students have a stable and supportive environment in which to learn and grow.

In conclusion, the escalating crisis of homeless students is a pressing issue that demands our attention and action. By investing in the education and well-being of homeless students, providing adequate resources and support to school districts, and addressing the root causes of homelessness, we can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.
Title: The Escalating Crisis of Homeless Students: How Schools and Society are Failing to Address the Issue

Over the past decade, the number of homeless students has surged by a staggering 70 percent, leaving many children like Darnell and Sandy to rely on schools as the only stable place in their lives. This alarming trend, which is a direct result of failing systems and policies, has left hundreds of thousands of students without access to the essential rights and assistance they are entitled to.

The Federal law requires school districts to identify and support homeless students through various measures, including outreach programs and transportation services. However, a recent investigation by the Center for Public Integrity reveals that approximately 300,000 homeless students have gone unnoticed by the very school districts responsible for their well-being.

Moreover, the deep academic disparities between homeless students and their low-income counterparts with stable housing continue to widen. Homeless students face numerous challenges, including lack of access to resources, inconsistent attendance, and social-emotional struggles, which significantly impact their ability to succeed academically. In many cases, these students are not even included in the definition of who is considered homeless, further perpetuating the issue.

Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, emphasizes the importance of stability in a child's life, stating, "School is stability." However, many school districts are unable to provide the necessary support and resources to help these students due to a lack of accountability and funding.

To address this crisis, there must be a renewed focus on implementing effective policies and practices to identify and support homeless students. This includes:

1. Increased funding for homeless student programs and services
2. Strengthening accountability measures to hold school districts responsible for accurately identifying and supporting homeless students
3. Implementing flexible and trauma-informed approaches to teaching and learning to better address the unique needs of homeless students
4. Encouraging cooperation and collaboration between schools, community organizations, and local governments to provide comprehensive support for homeless students and their families

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of society to prioritize the needs and well-being of homeless students, ensuring they have access to the essential rights and resources they deserve. Only then can we begin to address the root causes of this crisis and pave the way for a brighter, more stable future for all children.
The number of homeless students in the United States has risen dramatically over the past decade, with a staggering 70 percent increase. This alarming trend has put immense pressure on school systems across the country, which are often the only stable environments for children like Darnell and Sandy.

The surge in homeless student populations has created significant challenges for schools, particularly those already serving low-income communities. Under federal law, school districts are required to provide extensive support for these vulnerable students, including outreach efforts, public notices of their rights, and transportation to maintain continuity in their education.

However, a Center for Public Integrity analysis suggests that approximately 300,000 homeless students may be slipping through the cracks, unidentified by the very school districts mandated to assist them. This undercount could be due to various factors, including limited resources, lack of awareness, or difficulty in identifying students with unstable housing situations.

The academic needs of homeless students are often intense and complex. Recent data on high school graduation rates has revealed significant disparities between homeless students and their low-income peers with stable housing. This achievement gap underscores the critical importance of proper identification and support for homeless students.

Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying homeless students, stating, "When that doesn't happen, we're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless."

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires schools to break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth and provide various support services. However, enforcement of these requirements remains a challenge, with limited options for holding districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or assist homeless students.

As the number of homeless students continues to rise, schools are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for services. Many district employees tasked with supporting homeless students often have multiple responsibilities, making it difficult to provide adequate attention to this growing population.

For students like Darnell and Sandy, school represents more than just an educational institution – it's a lifeline of stability in an otherwise chaotic world. As one educator noted, "School is stability." This underscores the critical role that schools play in the lives of homeless students, providing not only education but also a sense of normalcy, support, and hope for the future.

As this crisis continues to unfold, it is clear that more resources, attention, and innovative solutions are needed to address the complex needs of homeless students and ensure that they receive the support and education they deserve.
On January 13, 2021, the United States House of Representatives made history by impeaching President Donald Trump for a second time, charging him with "incitement of insurrection" following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6. This unprecedented move came just one week before Trump's term was set to end, marking the first time in American history that a president has been impeached twice.

The impeachment vote was notable for its bipartisan nature, with ten Republican representatives joining all 222 Democrats in supporting the article of impeachment. The final tally was 232-197, making it the most bipartisan impeachment in U.S. history.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presided over the proceedings, gaveling in the final vote amidst a tense atmosphere in the Capitol. The building, still reeling from the recent attack, was under heavy security as lawmakers debated and voted on the impeachment resolution.

The article of impeachment accused President Trump of "inciting violence against the government of the United States" through his actions and rhetoric leading up to and on the day of the Capitol riot. Trump's false claims about election fraud and his fiery speech to supporters before the attack were central to the impeachment case against him.

The ten Republicans who broke ranks to vote for impeachment faced significant backlash from Trump's allies and supporters within the party. Their decision to support impeachment was seen as a rebuke of the president's conduct and a statement on the gravity of the events of January 6.

Following the House vote, attention turned to the Senate, where a trial would be necessary to convict the president and potentially bar him from holding future office. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated that a trial would not begin until after Trump left office, but emphasized the seriousness of the process, stating, "There will be an impeachment trial in the United States Senate; there will be a vote on convicting the president for high crimes and misdemeanors."

The impeachment and its aftermath highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party, with some members distancing themselves from Trump while others continued to support him vehemently. The events surrounding January 6 and the subsequent impeachment were seen as a potential turning point in American politics, raising questions about the future direction of the Republican Party and the long-term implications for democracy in the United States.

As the nation grappled with the aftermath of these historic events, the impeachment vote stood as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of accountability for those in the highest offices of power.
On January 13, 2021, the United States House of Representatives made history by voting to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, just one week before the end of his term. The impeachment charge was for "incitement of insurrection" following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

In a significant break from party lines, ten Republican representatives joined all 222 Democrats in voting for impeachment, resulting in a final vote of 232-197. This bipartisan support marked a stark contrast to Trump's first impeachment in December 2019, where no Republicans voted in favor.

The impeachment process was led by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who gaveled in the final vote. The atmosphere in the Capitol was tense, with increased security measures in place following the recent attack.

The article of impeachment accused President Trump of "inciting violence against the government of the United States" through his actions and rhetoric leading up to and during the January 6 events. Trump had repeatedly made false claims about election fraud and encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol while Congress was in the process of certifying Joe Biden's electoral victory.

Despite the House's vote to impeach, the Senate trial would not begin until after Trump left office. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of holding the trial, stating, "There will be an impeachment trial in the United States Senate; there will be a vote on convicting the president for high crimes and misdemeanors; and if the president is convicted, there will be a vote on barring him from running again."

The impeachment vote exposed deep divisions within the Republican Party. While some moderate Republicans, like Will Hurd, strongly condemned Trump's actions, calling him a "lawless, selfish, failed politician," many of Trump's allies in the House criticized their colleagues who voted for impeachment.

This historic second impeachment of a U.S. president highlighted the tumultuous end to Trump's presidency and set the stage for continued political tensions and debates about accountability for the events of January 6. It also raised questions about the future of the Republican Party and Trump's influence on American politics moving forward.
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, the United States House of Representatives took the historic step of impeaching President Donald Trump for a second time, charging him with "incitement of insurrection" following the violent attack on the Capitol on January 6. This unprecedented move came just one week before Trump was set to leave office, making him the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice.

The impeachment vote was notable for its bipartisan nature, with ten Republican representatives breaking ranks to join all 222 Democrats in supporting the single article of impeachment. The final vote tally was 232-197, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the widespread condemnation of the President's actions leading up to and during the Capitol riot.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, presided over the proceedings, gaveling in the final vote that sealed Trump's second impeachment. The atmosphere in the chamber was tense, with heightened security measures in place following the recent violence.

The impeachment resolution accused Trump of "gravely endangering the security of the United States" and "threatening the integrity of the democratic system." It cited his repeated false claims of election fraud and his inflammatory rhetoric at a rally just before the Capitol attack as evidence of his role in inciting the insurrection.

While the House vote marked a significant rebuke of the President, the process was far from over. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated that a Senate trial would not begin until after Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20. However, he emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, "There will be an impeachment trial in the United States Senate; there will be a vote on convicting the president for high crimes and misdemeanors; and if the president is convicted, there will be a vote on barring him from running again."

The impeachment and its aftermath highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party. While some, like the ten who voted for impeachment, saw Trump's actions as a betrayal of his oath of office, others continued to defend him and decried the impeachment as a partisan attack.

As the nation grappled with the implications of this historic vote, attention turned to the upcoming Senate trial and its potential impact on Trump's political future and the broader landscape of American politics.
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, the United States House of Representatives took the historic step of impeaching President Donald Trump for the second time, making him the first president in American history to be impeached twice. The impeachment came in response to Trump's role in inciting the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, which resulted in five deaths and significant damage to the seat of American democracy.

The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on a single article of "incitement of insurrection." In a notable break from party lines, ten Republican representatives joined all 222 Democrats in voting for impeachment. This bipartisan support underscored the gravity of the charges against the president and the widespread condemnation of his actions leading up to and during the Capitol riot.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presided over the proceedings, gaveling in the final vote that sealed Trump's second impeachment. The somber mood in the chamber reflected the weight of the moment, as lawmakers from both parties grappled with the unprecedented nature of the situation.

The impeachment process now moves to the Senate, where a trial will be held to determine whether to convict Trump and potentially bar him from holding future office. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has promised that "there will be an impeachment trial in the United States Senate; there will be a vote on convicting the president for high crimes and misdemeanors; and if the president is convicted, there will be a vote on barring him from running again."

The impeachment and its aftermath have deepened the rifts within the Republican Party. Many of Trump's staunch allies in the House vehemently opposed the impeachment, while others, like former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, have spoken out against the president, calling him a "lawless, selfish, failed politician."

This impeachment vote, coming just one week before the end of Trump's term, serves as a stark rebuke to his presidency and a clear message that attempts to undermine American democracy will not be tolerated. As the nation moves forward under a new administration, the repercussions of this historic impeachment and the events that led to it will likely continue to shape American politics for years to come.
##  Hidden in Plain Sight: 300,000 Homeless Students Slip Through the Cracks

**The number of homeless students in the United States has skyrocketed by 70 percent over the past decade, leaving thousands of children without the support they need to succeed.** For Darnell and Sandy, two students facing homelessness, school represents the only constant in their lives. But even within the school walls, they struggle to overcome the immense challenges that come with a lack of stable housing.

A Center for Public Integrity analysis of federal education data reveals a disturbing truth: **roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students are being overlooked by school districts.** These students, often living in shelters, motels, or doubled-up with other families, face a multitude of obstacles, from academic disruptions to food insecurity.

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates that schools identify and support these students, providing them with access to transportation, healthcare, and academic support. However, the system is failing. Many districts are undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, leaving countless children without the crucial resources they need.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

The consequences of this failure are profound. Homeless students often lag behind their peers academically, with significant achievement gaps widening between them and low-income students with stable housing.  

The lack of accountability for school districts further exacerbates the problem. While the federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts responsible for failing to identify or assist homeless students, the urgency for change is undeniable.

"Is this actually what we want?" asks an education advocate. "We need to ensure that every child, regardless of their housing situation, has the opportunity to succeed."


The growing number of homeless students demands immediate attention.  It's time to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that all children have access to the support they need to thrive. 
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##  Hidden in Plain Sight: 300,000 Homeless Students Slip Through the Cracks

**The number of homeless students has skyrocketed by 70 percent over the past decade, leaving thousands without the support they desperately need.** For Darnell and Sandy, school is a beacon of stability in a chaotic world. But for many other homeless students, the system designed to protect them is failing. 

A new analysis by the Center for Public Integrity reveals a staggering truth: approximately 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students are going unnoticed by the very schools mandated to help them. This alarming statistic highlights a growing crisis within our education system, where vulnerable children are falling through the cracks.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law enacted in 1987, aims to ensure homeless students have access to a quality education. It mandates that school districts identify, assist, and protect these students, providing them with essential resources like transportation, healthcare, and academic support. 

However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. 

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. This undercounting stems from a lack of awareness, inadequate training for school staff, and a complex definition of homelessness that often excludes students living in temporary or unstable situations.

The consequences of this failure are profound. Homeless students face numerous challenges, including academic struggles, health issues, and emotional distress. They are more likely to drop out of school, experience poverty, and struggle with mental health issues.

The situation is further exacerbated by the increasing number of homeless students in schools already serving high concentrations of low-income families. This places a significant strain on resources and support systems, making it even harder to meet the unique needs of these vulnerable children.

While the federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to hold districts accountable for failing to identify or assist homeless students, the urgency of the situation demands immediate action. 

We must invest in comprehensive training for school staff, improve data collection and reporting, and ensure that all homeless students have access to the support they need to succeed.  

Darnell and Sandy deserve a chance to thrive, and so do all homeless students. It's time to shine a light on this hidden crisis and work together to ensure that every child, regardless of their housing situation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 


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##  Hidden in Plain Sight: 300,000 Homeless Students Slip Through the Cracks

**The number of homeless students has surged by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade, leaving thousands without the support they desperately need.** For Darnell and Sandy, school offers a rare haven amidst the chaos of their lives.  But their story is far from unique. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of children are navigating the challenges of homelessness while trying to keep up with their education.

A Center for Public Integrity analysis of federal education data reveals a stark reality: approximately 300,000 students entitled to crucial protections and resources for homeless youth remain unidentified by their school districts.  These students, often living in shelters, temporary housing, or doubled-up with other families, face immense academic and emotional hurdles.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law enacted in 1987, mandates that schools identify and support homeless students. This includes providing transportation to their previous school, ensuring access to meals and healthcare, and offering academic support tailored to their unique needs. However, a lack of resources, inadequate training for staff, and a complex definition of homelessness contribute to the alarming undercounting of these vulnerable students.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools.  "And school is stability."

The consequences of this failure are profound. Homeless students often experience academic setbacks, higher dropout rates, and increased mental health challenges.  They face a constant struggle to keep up with their peers, lacking the stability and support they need to thrive.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to hold districts accountable when they fail to properly identify or assist homeless students. This lack of oversight exacerbates the problem, leaving countless children without the essential support they deserve.

The situation demands immediate attention.  We must strengthen our commitment to identifying and supporting homeless students, ensuring that every child has access to the education they need to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Darnell and Sandy's story should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that behind the statistics are real children who need our help. 


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##  Invisible Students: The Growing Crisis of Homeless Youth in America's Schools

The number of homeless students in America has surged by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade, leaving thousands of children adrift in a system ill-equipped to meet their needs. For Darnell and Sandy, like many others facing this crisis, school represents the only beacon of stability in their turbulent lives. 

But even within the classroom walls, these students struggle.  They face intense academic challenges compounded by the constant upheaval and uncertainty of homelessness.  

Federal law mandates that school districts identify and provide support for homeless students, including transportation to maintain enrollment in their previous school, access to essential resources, and outreach throughout the year.  However, a recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity reveals a disturbing reality: approximately 300,000 students entitled to these vital protections are slipping through the cracks, their needs going unaddressed.

The reasons behind this alarming trend are multifaceted.  Underreporting by school districts is a major factor, with many failing to accurately identify homeless students or effectively track their progress.  Additionally, the sheer volume of homeless students in many districts overwhelms existing resources and support systems.

The consequences of this neglect are devastating.  Homeless students consistently lag behind their peers academically, with significant achievement gaps emerging in reading, math, and graduation rates.  These disparities highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective response to the growing crisis of homeless youth in education.

"School is stability," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "When we don't properly identify and support these students, we're not just failing them academically, we're failing them as human beings."

The federal government, state education departments, and families must work together to ensure that all students, regardless of their housing situation, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.  This requires increased funding for homeless student programs, improved data collection and reporting, and greater collaboration between schools, social service agencies, and community organizations.

The story of Darnell and Sandy is not unique.  It is a story that reflects a systemic failure to protect some of our most vulnerable children.  It is time to address this crisis head-on and ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 


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##  Hidden in Plain Sight: 300,000 Homeless Students Slip Through School System Cracks

**The number of homeless students has surged by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade, leaving thousands trapped in a cycle of instability and academic struggle.** For Darnell and Sandy, two young faces hidden within this crisis, school represents the only steady haven in their lives.  But even within these walls, the challenges are immense.

A recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity reveals a disturbing truth: approximately 300,000 students, entitled to crucial protections and support under federal law, remain unidentified by their school districts.  This alarming undercount highlights a systemic failure to address the growing needs of homeless youth.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law designed to safeguard the educational rights of homeless students, mandates schools to actively identify and assist these vulnerable children.  This includes providing transportation to maintain enrollment in their original school, regardless of their current address, and offering outreach programs to ensure they receive necessary support services.

Despite these legal requirements, many schools struggle to meet the needs of their growing homeless population.  Limited resources, understaffing, and a lack of awareness often contribute to the problem.  The result is a widening academic gap between homeless students and their peers with stable housing.

"School is stability," explains Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "When we don't identify these students, we're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless."

The consequences of this failure are profound.  Homeless students face numerous obstacles to academic success, including frequent moves, unstable living conditions, and limited access to basic necessities.  These challenges can lead to increased absenteeism, lower grades, and a higher risk of dropping out of school.

The lack of accountability mechanisms further exacerbates the problem.  While the federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to hold districts responsible for failing to identify or assist homeless students, the responsibility ultimately rests on their shoulders.

The situation demands immediate attention and action.  Increased funding, dedicated staff, and improved training are essential to ensure that all schools are equipped to meet the needs of homeless students.  Furthermore, raising public awareness about this issue can help create a more supportive environment for these vulnerable children.  

As Darnell and Sandy navigate their daily lives, they embody the urgent need for change.  Their story urges us to look beyond the headlines and recognize the hidden faces of homelessness, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the education they deserve. 


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Title: The Hidden Homeless Students: How the Education System Fails Those in Need

As the school year begins, educators and policymakers are focused on the challenges of supporting students with intense academic needs. However, a more pressing issue lies beneath the surface: the failure of schools to properly identify and assist students experiencing homelessness. Despite federal laws and regulations, many districts are undercounting the number of homeless students they serve, leaving thousands of children without the support they need.

Under the federal law, school districts are required to perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are struggling to meet these obligations. In fact, a Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

The consequences of this failure are dire. Homeless students often face significant academic and emotional challenges, making it difficult for them to succeed in school. According to Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, "School is stability." Without a stable educational environment, homeless students are more likely to fall behind their peers and struggle to catch up.

One of the primary concerns is that many districts are undercounting the number of homeless students they serve. This not only means that students are not receiving the support they need but also that districts are not receiving the funding they require to provide adequate services. As a result, many districts are struggling to provide transportation for students who have been in the same school but are now outside the attendance boundaries.

The issue is further complicated by the fact that many states have been slow to report the data on homeless students. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for policymakers and educators to identify areas where support is needed most. However, when data is available, it reveals a stark reality. Deep academic gulfs have come to light between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. This lack of accountability has led to a situation where some districts are genuinely struggling to provide support, while others are simply failing to meet the needs of their students.

The Center for Public Integrity analysis highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the education system. By providing more accurate data on homeless students, districts can better understand the needs of their students and provide targeted support. This, in turn, can help to improve academic outcomes and provide a more stable educational environment for all students.

As the education system continues to grapple with the challenges of supporting students with intense academic needs, it is clear that the issue of homeless students requires attention and action. By working together to improve data collection and accountability, we can ensure that all students, regardless of their housing situation, have access to the support they need to succeed.
## The Silent Crisis: Homeless Students Surge, Leaving Schools Strapped and Students Behind

The number of homeless students in the United States has skyrocketed by 70% over the past decade, leaving schools grappling with a silent crisis. While the federal government mandates support for these students, a growing number are falling through the cracks, their needs unmet and their futures uncertain. 

For students like Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know. Their lives are marked by constant upheaval, their families struggling to find safe and secure housing. This instability has a profound impact on their education, creating a vicious cycle of academic challenges and limited opportunities.

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act aims to protect the rights of homeless students, ensuring they have access to education and support services. However, the reality on the ground is far more complex. Many school districts struggle to identify and assist homeless students, often underreporting their numbers.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

A Center for Public Integrity analysis revealed that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights under the McKinney-Vento Act have gone unnoticed by school districts. This means they are missing out on crucial support, including transportation, enrollment assistance, and academic support.

The law also mandates that districts track and report high school graduation rates for homeless youth. This data, while often incomplete, paints a stark picture of the academic disparities faced by homeless students. They consistently lag behind their peers with stable housing, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and resources.

The increasing number of homeless students is placing a significant strain on school districts, already facing budget constraints and staffing shortages. Many districts lack the capacity to provide the necessary support, leaving these students vulnerable and at risk of falling further behind.

The situation calls for a multi-pronged approach. School districts need to prioritize identifying and supporting homeless students, ensuring they receive the resources they need to succeed. The federal government must provide adequate funding and support to schools, enabling them to meet the growing needs of this vulnerable population.

Ultimately, addressing the crisis of homeless students requires a commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their housing situation, have access to a quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. The future of these students, and our society, depends on it. 

## The Hidden Crisis: Homeless Students Surge, Leaving Schools Struggling to Keep Up

The number of homeless students in the United States has skyrocketed by 70% over the past decade, leaving schools grappling with a growing crisis. For students like Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know, a beacon of normalcy amidst the chaos of homelessness. But as the numbers swell, schools are struggling to provide the support these students desperately need.

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act mandates schools to identify and assist homeless students, providing them with essential rights like access to transportation, enrollment regardless of residency, and specialized academic support. However, a recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity reveals a disturbing reality: an estimated 300,000 students eligible for these services are slipping through the cracks, unidentified by school districts.

This undercounting is a symptom of a larger problem: the lack of resources and accountability for schools to effectively address the needs of homeless students. While districts are required to perform outreach, post public notices, and even track high school graduation rates for homeless youth, many struggle to meet these obligations.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

The impact of homelessness on academic performance is undeniable.  Research shows a significant gap in achievement between homeless students and their peers with stable housing. This disparity is further exacerbated when schools serve both homeless and low-income students, placing immense pressure on already strained resources.

The situation is particularly concerning for high school students, who face additional challenges navigating the transition to adulthood while experiencing homelessness.  New regulations aim to ease the burden on these students, making it easier for them to continue their education despite disruptions.

However, the lack of accountability mechanisms leaves many schools struggling to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. The federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to hold districts accountable for failing to properly identify and assist homeless students.

The rising number of homeless students presents a pressing challenge for schools and policymakers alike.  Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, including increased funding, improved data collection, and robust accountability measures. Only then can we ensure that all students, regardless of their housing status, have the opportunity to thrive in a stable and supportive learning environment. 

##  The Silent Crisis: Homeless Student Numbers Surge, Leaving Schools Struggling to Keep Up

The number of homeless students in the United States has skyrocketed by 70% over the past decade, leaving schools grappling with a silent crisis. While the federal government mandates support for these students, a growing number are falling through the cracks, highlighting a system failing to meet the needs of our most vulnerable learners.

For Darnell and Sandy, two students in a Minneapolis school, school represents the only semblance of stability in their lives. Their experiences are mirrored by thousands of students nationwide, navigating the challenges of homelessness while trying to focus on their education.

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act aims to provide support for these students, requiring districts to perform outreach, post public notices of rights, and track graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, failing to provide the necessary resources and support.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

A Center for Public Integrity analysis reveals that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights under the McKinney-Vento Act have been missed, highlighting a significant gap between the law's intent and its implementation.

The issue extends beyond identification. The law requires districts to provide transportation for homeless students to remain in their original school, even if they are now living outside the attendance boundaries. However, logistical hurdles and lack of resources often hinder the smooth implementation of this crucial provision.

Furthermore, the law mandates the reporting of graduation rates for homeless students, which has brought to light a stark disparity in academic performance between homeless students and their low-income peers with stable housing. This data underscores the urgent need for targeted support and intervention programs to address the unique challenges faced by homeless students.

"Clearly, as the numbers increase, someone who has this role on top of many other responsibilities is going to have a hard time keeping up," said a school administrator who requested anonymity. "The system needs to change."

The increasing number of homeless students places a significant strain on already stretched school resources. The lack of accountability mechanisms and the difficulty in tracking the true extent of the issue leave many questioning the effectiveness of the current system. 

The crisis demands a multi-pronged approach. Schools need increased funding and resources to adequately support homeless students. The federal government and state education departments must strengthen accountability measures and ensure that districts are effectively implementing the McKinney-Vento Act. 

Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that these students are not just statistics; they are individuals with dreams and aspirations, deserving of the same opportunities as their peers. By addressing this silent crisis, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our most vulnerable learners. 

## The Hidden Crisis: Homeless Student Numbers Surge, Leaving Schools Overwhelmed

The number of homeless students in the United States has swelled by a staggering 70% over the past decade, a grim statistic that paints a stark picture of the growing housing crisis affecting America's youth.  For students like Darnell and Sandy, school has become their only sanctuary, a place of stability in a world filled with uncertainty. 

While the federal government has implemented measures to support homeless students, including guaranteed access to education, transportation, and specialized services, many districts are failing to adequately identify and assist these vulnerable children. The Center for Public Integrity's analysis of federal education data reveals that nearly 300,000 students eligible for these essential rights are slipping through the cracks, their needs overlooked by the very institutions mandated to help them.

The problem goes beyond simple oversight.  School districts often struggle to navigate the complex definition of "homeless" under federal law.  Many  families experiencing housing instability don't fit the traditional image of living on the streets, leading to underreporting and a lack of access to crucial support. This is compounded by the fact that many districts are already stretched thin, serving large populations of low-income students with their own unique challenges.

“We’re not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless,” laments Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability.”  For these students, school is not just a place of learning, it's a lifeline, offering a sense of normalcy and security in an otherwise turbulent environment.

The consequences of this lack of identification are significant.  The federal government requires districts to track and report graduation rates for homeless students, revealing a stark academic gap between them and their peers with stable housing.  These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions and support services that address the unique challenges faced by homeless students.

With the number of homeless students continuing to rise, the pressure on school districts is only going to increase.  The need for increased funding, comprehensive training for educators, and stronger accountability measures is urgent.  Ultimately, ensuring that every child has equal access to quality education, regardless of their housing status, is not just an educational imperative, but a moral one. 

## The Silent Crisis: Homeless Student Numbers Surge, Leaving Many Unseen and Unhelped

The number of homeless students in the U.S. has skyrocketed by 70% over the past decade, a grim statistic that paints a stark picture of a hidden crisis within our education system. For Darnell and Sandy, two students navigating the complexities of homelessness, school offers a sliver of stability amidst the chaos. But for countless others like them, the system designed to support them is failing.

While federal law mandates outreach, public notices, and the right to stay in their original schools, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Many school districts struggle to identify homeless students, leading to a significant undercount. A Center for Public Integrity analysis estimates that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential support services remain undetected, effectively invisible to the very systems meant to help them.

"We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," says Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "And school is stability."

The lack of accurate identification has severe consequences. It hampers efforts to assess academic needs, a challenge further compounded by the high concentration of homeless students in schools serving low-income communities. While federal law requires districts to track graduation rates for homeless youth, many states are slow to report this data, obscuring the stark academic disparities between homeless students and their stably housed, low-income counterparts.

The systemic failures extend beyond identification. School districts often struggle to provide adequate support and resources, including transportation for students displaced from their original school zones. The weight of these responsibilities falls heavily on school staff, often overburdened and ill-equipped to effectively address the unique needs of homeless students.

"Clearly, as the numbers increase, someone who has this role on top of many other responsibilities, they’re just trying to keep their head above water," says one education advocate.

The increasing visibility of the homeless student crisis has led to calls for greater accountability and improved support. While federal and state education departments lack the tools to effectively enforce existing mandates, advocates are pushing for stricter reporting requirements and increased funding for dedicated programs.

The stories of Darnell and Sandy, and the countless others like them, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change. We must recognize the invisible crisis within our schools, invest in adequate support for homeless students, and ensure they have access to the education they deserve – a pathway to stability and opportunity. 

Title: "The Hidden Crisis: Homeless Students Struggle for Stability Amidst Academic Challenges"

In the past decade, the number of homeless students in the United States has surged by a staggering 70 percent, leaving many children without a stable place to call home. For Darnell and Sandy, school is the only constant in their lives, a sanctuary where they can find some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of their daily existence. However, the intense academic needs of homeless students are compounded when schools begin to see multiple students in similar situations, many of whom also come from low-income backgrounds.

Under federal law, school districts are required to perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, and there are few options for holding them accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have limited means to ensure that districts are meeting their obligations to homeless students. A recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, notes that when schools fail to properly identify homeless students, "we're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless." This lack of identification can have serious consequences for students, as they may miss out on critical services and supports that can help them succeed academically.

Other changes in the law aim to make it easier for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. Schools must provide transportation so that children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they are now outside the attendance boundaries. However, as the number of homeless students continues to rise, it becomes increasingly difficult for schools to provide the necessary support and resources to meet their needs.

In the face of these challenges, schools must prioritize the needs of homeless students and work to ensure that they have access to the same opportunities as their peers. This means providing stable and supportive learning environments, as well as targeted interventions to address the unique challenges that homeless students face. Only by recognizing and addressing the needs of homeless students can we hope to break the cycle of poverty and ensure that all children have the chance to succeed.
Title: "The Hidden Crisis: Homeless Students and the Struggle for Stability"

The number of homeless students in the United States has surged by 70 percent over the past decade, leaving schools grappling with how to provide essential support to these vulnerable students. For Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know. But as more districts begin to see multiple homeless students in the same schools, often serving other low-income students, the challenges of providing adequate support become even more complex.

Under federal law, districts must perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and most significantly, break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, and there are few options for holding them accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have limited options to hold districts accountable for failing to identify and provide assistance to homeless students. This lack of accountability can have serious consequences for students who are already facing immense challenges. A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, notes that when schools fail to identify homeless students, "we’re not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who’s homeless." This failure to identify and support homeless students can have serious academic consequences, as deep academic gulfs have come to light between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing.

Other changes in the law that are likely to focus public attention have to do with how easy schools make it for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. Schools must provide transportation so children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they’re now outside the attendance boundaries. However, as the number of homeless students increases, it becomes more challenging for schools to provide this support.

The struggle to provide stability for homeless students is a hidden crisis that requires urgent attention. Schools must take a proactive approach to identifying and supporting homeless students, providing essential services like transportation and academic support. Only by addressing this crisis can we ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their housing status.
Title: "The Growing Crisis of Homeless Students: Schools Struggle to Meet Their Needs"

In recent years, the number of homeless students has swelled by an alarming 70 percent, leaving many schools struggling to meet the intense academic and emotional needs of these vulnerable students. For Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know. They rely on the safety and consistency of their classrooms, teachers, and peers to help them navigate the challenges of homelessness.

Under federal law, districts must perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify, making it difficult to provide the necessary support.

One of the biggest challenges for schools is providing transportation so that children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they are now outside the attendance boundaries. This can be particularly difficult for families who are constantly moving due to their housing situation.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. As a result, it's possible that some school districts genuinely underestimate the number of homeless students they serve.

According to Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, "And school is stability." However, many students experiencing homelessness are not included in the definition of who is homeless, leaving them without access to essential rights reserved for homeless students.

A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to these rights have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

Other changes in the law that are likely to focus public attention have to do with how easy schools make it for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. As the numbers increase, someone who has this role on top of many others may struggle to provide the necessary support.

The growing crisis of homeless students is a complex issue that requires a coordinated effort from schools, government agencies, and community organizations. By working together, we can ensure that these vulnerable students have access to the education and support they need to succeed.
Title: "Homeless Students Face Unprecedented Challenges in the Education System: Darnell and Sandy's Story"

In the last decade, the number of homeless students has skyrocketed by 70 percent. For many of these students, school is the only stable place they know. Darnell and Sandy are two such students, who rely on their schools for a sense of normalcy and security in the midst of their unstable living situations.

As more school districts begin to identify multiple homeless students, the challenges facing these students become even more pronounced. Federal law requires districts to perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they do identify, leaving thousands of students without the support they need.

The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. As a result, many students slip through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them. A Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have gone unnoticed.

Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, notes that school is often the only source of stability for homeless students. "We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," she said. "And school is stability."

Other changes in the law that are likely to focus public attention have to do with how easy schools make it for homeless youth to continue their education despite disruptions. However, as the number of homeless students increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for schools to provide the necessary support.

Darnell and Sandy's story is not unique. Homeless students across the country are facing unprecedented challenges in the education system. It is essential that school districts prioritize the identification and support of these students to ensure that they have the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.
The staggering rise of homeless students across the United States: How schools are struggling to meet their needs

Across America, the number of homeless students is spiking to alarming levels, with a staggering 70 percent increase over the past decade, according to recent reports. For many of these students, like Darnell and Sandy, school is the only constant and stable place they have. In the face of such adversity, schools are grappling with how to best support these students, who often have unique academic and emotional needs.

As homeless student populations grow within schools that have already been serving low-income students, the challenge becomes more complex. The federal government has imposed various regulations to assist districts in providing necessary support for homeless youth. Under federal guidelines, schools are responsible for conducting outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times a year, posting public notices of their rights, and tracking and reporting high school graduation rates specifically for homeless students. Many schools are also required to ensure that these students have access to transportation, enabling them to continue attending the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they now reside outside the school's attendance boundaries.

Despite these regulations, a significant number of districts might underreport the scale of their homeless student populations, leaving an estimated 300,000 students without the identification and support that federal law mandates. Accountability for underreporting is often lacking, leaving school districts without consequence when they fail to identify and provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness.

The disparities between homeless students and low-income students with stable housing are stark when it comes to academic achievement and graduation rates. Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, explains that many school districts have failed to recognize the majority of homeless students in their system, thus exacerbating the problem.

As the number of homeless students continues to rise, school districts face a daunting challenge. Providing resources, advocacy, and stability for these students is essential if they're to have any chance of success. While the responsibilities can be overwhelming for educators, they're vital in ensuring that homeless students receive a fair chance at achieving their dreams and overcoming the challenges they face.

The federal government, state education departments, and families must work together to ensure that all school districts fully recognize and address the needs of homeless students. The focus must be on making education as accessible and conducive as possible for these vulnerable youths, who view school as one of the few constants in their lives. For homeless students like Darnell and Sandy, this advocacy and support can be the key to a brighter future, breaking the cycle of homelessness and paving the way for a better life.
**The Invisible Struggle: Homeless Students Overwhelm Schools as Numbers Swell by 70 Percent**

For Darnell and Sandy, two students at a local high school, the familiar bell ringing in the hallway is a comforting sound. It signals the start of another day of stability in a life marked by uncertainty. Both students have experienced homelessness, and for them, school is the only constant in their lives.

Unfortunately, Darnell and Sandy are not alone. According to recent data, the number of homeless students in the United States has increased by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade. This surge has put a strain on schools, which are struggling to provide the necessary support and resources to these vulnerable students.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law enacted in 1987, requires school districts to identify and provide assistance to homeless students. However, a Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data suggests that roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

The law requires districts to perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. Additionally, districts must provide transportation so children can remain in the school they attended before they became homeless, even if they're now outside the attendance boundaries.

Despite these requirements, many districts are failing to properly identify and support homeless students. The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable for their failures. This lack of accountability has led to a significant undercounting of homeless students, with many districts not reporting accurate numbers.

The consequences of this undercounting are far-reaching. Homeless students often face significant academic challenges, including lower graduation rates and decreased academic achievement. According to data, homeless students are more likely to drop out of school and experience chronic absenteeism.

For Darnell and Sandy, school is a lifeline. "School is stability," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "It's the one place where they can feel safe and supported."

However, even with the support of their school, Darnell and Sandy face significant challenges. They often struggle to complete homework assignments due to lack of access to technology and internet at home. They also face social challenges, including bullying and stigma from their peers.

As the number of homeless students continues to rise, schools are being forced to adapt. Many districts are implementing new programs and services to support homeless students, including providing food, clothing, and hygiene facilities.

While these efforts are commendable, they are often insufficient to meet the needs of homeless students. "We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," said Kinzley. "We need to do better."

As the nation grapples with the growing crisis of homelessness, it's clear that schools play a critical role in supporting these vulnerable students. By providing stability, support, and resources, schools can help homeless students overcome the odds and achieve academic success. However, it will require a concerted effort from policymakers, educators, and communities to ensure that these students receive the support they need to thrive.
**The Invisible Struggle: Homeless Students in America's Schools**

The number of homeless students in the United States has swelled by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade, leaving many young people like Darnell and Sandy to rely on their schools as the only stable place they know.

For Darnell, a 16-year-old high school student, school is a refuge from the chaos of living in a shelter with his family. "School is the one place where I can just be myself and not worry about where I'm going to sleep tonight," he said. Sandy, a 14-year-old middle school student, echoed Darnell's sentiments. "School is my safe haven. It's where I can get a hot meal and see my friends."

But for students like Darnell and Sandy, the challenges of homelessness are compounded by the academic and emotional struggles that come with it. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, schools are required to provide support services to homeless students, including transportation, counseling, and academic assistance. However, many schools are struggling to keep up with the growing number of homeless students, and some are failing to provide the necessary support.

According to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of district-level federal education data, approximately 300,000 students who are entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them. This means that many homeless students are not receiving the support they need to succeed in school.

The lack of support is particularly concerning given the significant academic gaps between homeless students and their low-income peers with stable housing. Data shows that homeless students are more likely to fall behind in school, have lower graduation rates, and experience higher rates of absenteeism and truancy.

School districts are required to perform outreach to housing-unstable students multiple times during the school year, post public notices of homeless student rights, and break out high school graduation rates for homeless youth. However, many districts are failing to meet these requirements, and some are even undercounting the number of homeless students they do identify.

"It's possible that some school districts genuinely don't know how to identify and support homeless students," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "But it's also possible that some districts are simply not making it a priority. And that's unacceptable."

The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. This lack of accountability has led to a patchwork system where some schools are doing an excellent job of supporting homeless students, while others are falling short.

As the number of homeless students continues to grow, it's clear that something needs to change. "We need to do better," said Kinzley. "We need to make sure that every student, regardless of their housing situation, has access to the support and resources they need to succeed in school and in life."

For Darnell and Sandy, the stakes are high. They know that education is their ticket to a better life, and they're determined to make the most of the opportunities they have. But they also know that they can't do it alone. They need the support of their schools, their communities, and their government to help them overcome the challenges of homelessness and achieve their dreams.

As Kinzley said, "School is stability. And for students like Darnell and Sandy, it's the only stability they know."
**The Invisible Crisis: Homeless Students Overwhelm Schools as Numbers Surge 70% in a Decade**

For Darnell and Sandy, two students in a Minneapolis public school, the familiar rhythms of the classroom are a rare constant in lives marked by uncertainty. Like a growing number of students across the United States, they are homeless, forced to navigate the challenges of adolescence without the stability of a permanent home.

The number of homeless students has swelled by 70 percent over the past decade, leaving schools struggling to keep up with the demand for support. According to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of federal education data, approximately 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by the school districts mandated to help them.

The consequences are stark. Homeless students like Darnell and Sandy face significant academic challenges, with graduation rates lagging far behind their low-income peers with stable housing. In Minneapolis, for example, the graduation rate for homeless students is a dismal 40%, compared to 60% for low-income students with stable housing.

"It's not just about providing a roof over their heads," said Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "School is stability. It's the one place where they can be themselves, where they can be safe, and where they can learn."

Under federal law, school districts are required to provide a range of services to homeless students, including outreach, transportation, and academic support. However, many districts are struggling to keep up with the demand, and some are likely undercounting the number of homeless students they identify.

"It's a crisis that's hiding in plain sight," said Kinzley. "We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless. We need to do better."

The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness. As a result, many students are falling through the cracks, forced to navigate the complexities of the education system without the support they need.

"It's a tragedy," said a local advocate for homeless students. "We're talking about kids who are already facing incredible challenges. The least we can do is provide them with a safe and supportive learning environment."

As the numbers of homeless students continue to rise, schools are being forced to confront the reality of this invisible crisis. It's a challenge that requires a coordinated response from policymakers, educators, and community leaders.

"We need to do better," said Kinzley. "We owe it to Darnell, Sandy, and the thousands of other homeless students who are counting on us to provide them with a stable and supportive education."

**By the Numbers:**

* 70%: The increase in the number of homeless students over the past decade.
* 300,000: The estimated number of students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students who have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by school districts.
* 40%: The graduation rate for homeless students in Minneapolis, compared to 60% for low-income students with stable housing.
* 1 in 5: The number of students in Minneapolis who experience homelessness at some point during their K-12 education.
**The Hidden Crisis: Homeless Students Overwhelm Schools as Numbers Surge 70% in a Decade**

The United States is facing a growing crisis as the number of homeless students has swelled by a staggering 70% over the past decade. For many of these students, school is the only stable place they know. Darnell and Sandy, two students who have experienced homelessness firsthand, are just a few examples of the thousands of young people struggling to access education amidst the chaos of an unstable home life.

According to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of federal education data, roughly 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by school districts mandated to help them. This staggering number highlights the magnitude of the problem and the need for greater support and resources to address the issue.

Under federal law, school districts are required to identify and support homeless students, providing them with essential services such as transportation, school supplies, and academic support. However, many districts struggle to meet these obligations, leaving students like Darnell and Sandy to navigate the system on their own.

For Darnell, school is a haven from the uncertainty of life on the streets. "School is the one place where I feel safe and supported," he said. "My teachers and classmates don't know about my situation, but they're always there for me when I need them."

Sandy's experience is similar. "I've been in and out of shelters for years, but school has always been a constant," she said. "My teachers help me with my homework and make sure I have everything I need to succeed."

Despite the efforts of dedicated educators like Darnell and Sandy's teachers, the data suggests that many districts are failing to meet the needs of homeless students. The federal government, state education departments, and families have few options to hold districts accountable if they fail to properly identify or provide assistance for students experiencing homelessness.

One of the major challenges facing districts is the difficulty in identifying homeless students. Many students may not self-identify as homeless, fearing stigma or repercussions. Others may not meet the narrow definition of homelessness used by the federal government, which excludes students who are "doubled up" with friends or family members.

Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools, noted that this narrow definition can lead to undercounting. "We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless," she said. "And school is stability."

The consequences of failing to support homeless students are dire. Homeless students are more likely to struggle academically, drop out of school, and experience long-term poverty. However, with the right support, these students can thrive.

To address the growing crisis, schools and policymakers must work together to improve identification and support services for homeless students. This includes providing training for educators and staff to recognize the signs of homelessness, increasing funding for homeless student services, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize the needs of these students.

Ultimately, it is up to all of us to ensure that every student, regardless of their housing situation, has access to a quality education and the support they need to succeed. For Darnell and Sandy, school is the only stable place they know. Let's work together to make sure it remains a haven for all students experiencing homelessness.
**70% Surge in Homeless Students Overwhelms Schools, Darnell and Sandy's Story Highlights the Challenges**

The number of homeless students in the United States has skyrocketed by a staggering 70 percent over the past decade, with over 1.3 million students now struggling to access basic necessities while trying to succeed in school. For Darnell and Sandy, two students who have experienced homelessness firsthand, school has become the only stable place they know.

Darnell, a high school junior, has been living in a shelter with his mother for the past year. Despite the challenges they face, he says his school is the one place where he can escape the stress of his living situation. "School is my safe haven," he says. "It's the one place where I can just be a normal student, without worrying about where I'm going to sleep tonight."

Sandy, a 10-year-old elementary school student, has been homeless for nearly two years. Her family has moved from shelter to shelter, struggling to make ends meet. "I like school because it's a place where I can see my friends and learn new things," she says. "But it's hard to focus when I'm not sure where I'll be sleeping tomorrow."

As the number of homeless students continues to grow, schools are struggling to provide the necessary support. Under federal law, districts are required to identify and provide services to homeless students, including transportation to their original school, even if they are no longer living in the attendance area. However, many districts are failing to properly identify and support these students.

A recent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity found that approximately 300,000 students entitled to essential rights reserved for homeless students have slipped through the cracks, unidentified by school districts. This means that these students are missing out on critical support services, including assistance with transportation, school supplies, and academic support.

"What we're seeing is a system that's not equipped to handle the growing number of homeless students," says Charlotte Kinzley, supervisor of homeless and highly mobile services for the Minneapolis Public Schools. "We're not even including most of our kids who are experiencing homelessness in the definition of who's homeless. And school is stability."

The challenges faced by homeless students are not limited to accessing basic necessities. Research has shown that students experiencing homelessness face significant academic challenges, including lower graduation rates and lower academic achievement. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the graduation rate for homeless students is 64.1 percent, compared to 83.2 percent for all students.

Despite these challenges, there are success stories. Darnell and Sandy are both thriving in school, thanks to the support of their teachers and school staff. Darnell is on the honor roll, and Sandy is excelling in her classes.

Their stories highlight the importance of providing adequate support to homeless students. "We need to make sure that we're providing the necessary resources and support to help these students succeed," says Kinzley. "School is the one place where we can make a difference in their lives."

As the number of homeless students continues to grow, it's clear that something needs to change. "We need to ask ourselves, is this really what we want for our children?" says Kinzley. "Do we want to continue to fail these students, or do we want to provide them with the support they need to succeed?"