College Access and Success: - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

College Access and Success: From Survivor to Completer

For Highly Mobile and Homeless Students:

6/27/17

Slide2

Further informationTexas Homeless Education Office:

Dr. Vicky Dill (512-475-9715)vickydill@austin.utexas.edu Mr. Ken Martin (512-471-7145)

k

en.martin@austin.utexas.edu Texas Homeless Education Office

http://www.theotx.org/

6/27/17

Slide3

Your Task Could Not Be More Important

For all youth, and especially homeless youth and youth aging out of foster care, now more than ever, getting an education beyond high school is a matter of life and death.Without a high school diploma or further education, no student has a reasonable, fair shot at the American Dream, and

Without adequate education, housing and employment is much harder to achieve

6/27/17

Slide4

Our Goal is to Explore:

Background: Homeless Teens in TexasHow to Create a Seamless Path from High School to College for Highly Mobile

YouthBarriers a Highly Mobile Student May Face

How to Transform Street Resiliency to Completer

PersistenceHow Radical Curriculum Reform Can Create a Path to College

6/27/17

Slide5

What Counselors Should Know

Everything you need to know about how to help “couch-surfers” or unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) enroll in college is described in “College Access and Success” – or there is information on where to find the answers: http://

www.naehcy.org/educational-resources/he-toolkit *

*Document not yet updated for ESSA

6/27/17

Slide6

The Number of Homeless Students is Growing

Numbers for 15-16 unofficially total 120,850

6/27/17

Slide7

Fully Understand the Size and Severity of the Problem of Homeless Students in Texas

6/27/17

Slide8

Who is Homeless? IdentificationWe used to think of the homeless as single men on street corners begging for change;

Especially since the Great Recession of 2007-2009, children and families have not recovered economically

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/09/the-american-middle-class-is-losing-ground/

. About 50% of the homeless population in the United States is composed of parents with children of school age.

6/27/17

Slide9

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE HOMELESS IN TEXAS?

In 2014-2015, TEA identified 113,000 homeless students.

The latest data, 2015-2016, there were 120,850+ homeless students, a growth of 18,000 in 3 years.

The Texas

“

miracle

”

has not benefitted all Texans; in fact, many Texans need 2-3 fulltime low-wage jobs to pay for an apartment.

6/27/17

Slide10

Increasingly, People Realize that Homelessness is a Family Affair

A Caricature Fades

Children Live in Cars, in the Woods, in Shelters, Doubled-Up, anywhere. https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-mozilla-003&hsimp=yhs-003&hspart=mozilla&p=you+tube+worn+out+welcome+mat#id=5&vid=d08d96ffc60107c793f4128862c988fa&action=

view

6/27/17

Slide11

Homeless in the U.S. and TX.In the United States, about 2.5 million children in grades K-12 are homeless;

In Texas, in 2015-2016 120,850

students are homeless. Under-identification is widespread; Child poverty in Texas increases every year: 26.2

percent of Texas children are currently living in poverty.

To give you a better idea, that's more than one-in four children; 1 in 30 is homeless.

6/27/17

Slide12

Texas: One of the Poorest States

Texas has the 6th highest poverty rate in the nation; one in every 6 Texans or 4.4 million Texans live in poverty.

While the unemployment rate is low, many Texans need two or three low-paying jobs to

avoid being homeless.

1 in 4 Texans is without health care

6/27/17

Slide13

What is McKinney-Vento?The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act first went into effect in 1987. Prior to that act, 50% of homeless students dropped out of school.

The law requires that all students must be assessed for housing status and, if they are homeless, they must receive help.

Help includes free nutrition, school supplies, several school uniforms, and assistance in tutoring, FAFSA applications, fee waivers and college choice.

6/27/17

Slide14

UNDER-IDENTIFICATION IS WIDESPREAD

6/27/17

One reliable group estimates that there are about

300,000

children in Texas who are homeless.

This is why we are trying to ensure that all teachers and administrators are familiar with the McKinney-Vento laws.

Slide15

Across the nation, about 3.5 million individuals are homeless

About 1.5 million of these are children

HOW MANY ARE HOMELESS IN THE U.S.?

6/27/17

Slide16

THE REAL FACE OF HOMELESSNESS IS A CHILD.

6/27/17

40-70% of all homeless people are children, and they are in our schools

Slide17

WHERE DO THESE CHILDREN SLEEP?

THE MCKINNEY-VENTO LAW SAYS THESE GROUPS ARE HOMELESS:

6/27/17

Children living

in shelters.

Families or youth living in campgrounds or parks, living in cars or abandoned buildings.

Families or youth living in airports, bus stations, or train stations.

Slide18

Slide

18

Part I

Who are the homeless children and youth the McKinney-Vento Act seeks to assist?

HOMELESS =

l

acks a

fixed…

regular…

and

adequate

nighttime residence

Slide19

Children Living in Shelters

6/27/17

Slide20

CHILDREN LIVING IN CAMPGROUNDS, SUBSTANDARD MOTELS, OR CARS

6/27/17

Slide21

SLEEPING IN INADEQUATE HOUSING

6/27/17

Slide22

Who is homeless?

Families living in

doubled-up

situations because

they have

lost their housing.

6/27/17

Slide23

LIVING DOUBLED-UP BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP, OR OTHER CAUSE

6/27/17

Slide24

IMMIGRANTS, REFUGEES, AND ASYLEES WHO ARE NO LONGER

“

SPONSORED”

6/27/17

Slide25

Abandoned in Hospitals

6/27/17

Slide26

WHO IS HOMELESS?

Anyone with a

primary night time residence not designed for ordinary use as a regular sleeping accommodation

6/27/17

Slide27

Why Are Some Kids On Their Own?

Called “Unaccompanied Homeless Youth,” young people may not have the support of an adult because they experienced:Sexual, physical, mental or parental substance abuse in the home;

Conflict due to blended families, pregnancy, or gender difference;Crowded conditions in a shelter or doubled-up situation; as a male, being separated from family;

Aging out of foster care or other reasons

6/27/17

Slide28

Why Do Kids Leave Home?Gender DifferentPregnant

Sexually abusedAddictions in the home

Crowded conditions;Inadequate food

6/27/17

Slide29

Homeless Kids Do Get to College

At

least 57,000

college students in the US are homeless in

2017This is an under-estimate. Does not include:Attending college, but still with parents/guardian

Foster youth who have aged out and lost housing

Those who are married

Those in graduate school

Active duty military/veteran

Emancipated minors

Those who were at one time orphans

6/27/17

Slide30

How Do They Do That?Researchers have explored the characteristics of homeless students who succeed in clearing the many barriers to college that they face

What are the keys to this success?We know they cannot do it on their own

We know they can learn to transform hardship into energy

6/27/17

Slide31

How to Create a Seamless Path from High School to College for Highly Mobile Youth

People are the bridge over barriers. These are often counselors and homeless liaisons who provide basic survival resources, psychological survival tools, and safety nets in times of high risk.

Stability (staying in the same school: lack of transfers) and Excellent attendance are several of the most reliable predictors of success

6/27/17

Slide32

Escaping Poverty Requires Social Emotional Skills

Pro-social and emotional skills such astime managementconscientiousnessself-efficacy

cooperative behavioropenness to new ideas

6/27/17

Slide33

Barriers a Highly Mobile Student May Face

It helps highly mobile students to be able to envision a stable future

6/27/17

Slide34

Barriers to Educational SuccessBarriers to good attendance created by poverty include the need for nutrition, adequate clothes, school supplies, transportation from wherever they’re staying to school, and access to ways to meet hygiene needs;

Barriers to high school graduation and college readiness for highly mobile students include

1) loss of credits upon transfer from school to school, 2) the tendency of counselors to direct these students into less rigorous graduation plans and

3) lack of access to tutoring and/or help to complete highly challenging math and science coursework

6/27/17

Slide35

More Barriers to SuccessPsychological barriers resulting from the post-traumatic stress caused by homelessness;

focus, interest, commitment and follow-through despite frustration, uncertainty, and level of risk-taking; these factors predict success but are particularly challenging to highly mobile students

Even one school transfer doubles the chance of dropping out

http://www.ccrscenter.org/sites/default/files/CCRS%20Center_Predictors%20of%20Postsecondary%20Success_final_0.

pdf (p. 7)

6/27/17

Slide36

Barriers to Academic Accomplishments

Accomplishing these tasks, which are reliable predictors of post-secondary success, pose many challenges:less than 10% absenteeism

failing no more than one 9th

grade subjectdual enrollment success

completion of the FAFSA and more**See “Predictors of Post-Secondary Success”

p. 8

http

://www.ccrscenter.org/sites/default/files/CCRS%20Center_Predictors%20of%20Postsecondary%20Success_final_0.

pd

6/27/17

Slide37

Why Is Going to College Hard for Highly Mobile Youth?

General Barriers:poor nutritionlack of healthcare

unsafe/overcrowded living conditions

financial strain and lack of funds

6/27/17

Slide38

Why Is Going to College Hard for Highly Mobile Youth?Specific Barriers:

Lack of tuition funding

lack of documentation

funds for school supplies

Lack of a quiet place to study or adequate materials may make homework completion challenging

6/27/17

Slide39

So, How Can We Bridge Highly Mobile Students to College Completion?

There is a continued need for training and technical assistance to help school personnel understand and deal with the enormity of the problem

signs of homelessnessdynamics of high mobility

need to move homeless students through challenging coursework and beyond high school graduation

Overcoming school bureaucraciesSilos (Special Programs, C&I, Transportation, Admin) make it difficult for school personnel to:

Understand homeless student needs

Comprehend full-range of their challenges

Fewer highly mobile students tend to reach Advanced Placement

6/27/17

Slide40

So, How Can We Bridge Highly Mobile Students to College Completion?

Overcoming school bureaucraciesSilos (Special Programs, C&I, Transportation, Admin) make it difficult for school personnel to:

Understand homeless students’

needsComprehend the full

range of their challenges

Place

highly mobile students

in Advanced

Placement

courses

6/27/17

Slide41

“Worn Out Welcome Mat”Ira’s Story: one of 18,104 Texas students without parents

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7LRxYfKnGc

What is an unaccompanied homeless youth? (UHY)https://vimeo.com/region10/review/195322555/e0dd559115

6/27/17

Slide42

With the Guidance of School Personnel and Friends, Highly Mobile Youth Can:Translate Hardships and Fears into Resilience

Learn how to move from “rock bottom” to feeling the joy of overcoming barriersUse “street cred” to see other ways of solving problems

Learn where to get targeted resources to help overcome barriers

6/27/17

Slide43

FAFSA IS OFTEN A BARRIER

GAO reported in May of 2016 that burdensome program rules hinder many homeless applicants.Extensive documentation requests impede access to financial aid;

Annual verification requirements pose many barriers; See DOE GuidanceFor youth 22 or 23 years old, identifying as homeless often requires “special circumstances,” which are seldom approved.

6/27/17

Slide44

What If I Don’t Have an Address?The FAFSA application indicates that an UHY may use a college’s address as their own

If an IHE has no conflicting information about the MV status, they should refrain from requesting any further information.

6/27/17

Slide45

Early Application AdvisedFAFSA applications are due in October;

The adviser must ascertain if the homeless student is

accompanied or unaccompanied;This designation determines how the student will complete the FAFSA

6/27/17

Slide46

Degree Completion

Low income youth have many more challenges in completing college; only about 12% graduate.Risk factors for non-completion:

Part-time enrollment;Delayed entry after high school;Lack a regular or distinguished high school diploma;

Presence of dependent children or single parent;Being financially independent of parents, andworking full-time while enrolled

6/27/17

Slide47

Yearly Status Certification

Unaccompanied homeless youth must prove independent status every year they apply for aid;Decide which path to independent status may be the most reliable. For example, if a student age 13 or older was in foster care and also, subsequently, experienced an episode of homelessness, it might be best to use the foster care route to ensure independent status.

Suggest putting letter of verification on a flash drive so students always have a copy.

6/27/17

Slide48

Barriers to College: Students Lack

An adult mentor most of their lives;Fees for ACT, SAT, AP exams, etc.Adequate financial aid package;

Housing deposits and other required fees prior to funds becoming available.Child care

6/27/17

Slide49

SOME COLLEGES DO NOT REQUIRE SAT/ACT SCORES

Many students in poverty are understandably intimidated by SAT/ACT tests. To encourage applications and avoid having to go through the fee waiver process, consider suggesting one the 900 or so institutions that do not require or prioritize these scores:http://www.fairtest.org/university/

optional

6/27/17

Slide50

Risks for Highly Mobile (HM) StudentsAs absenteeism increases (to 20% in the middle grades), the chances of dropping out increase

Gaps in literacy and numeracy due to constant changes in curriculum predict low achievement for HM studentsEach move costs 4-6 months in academic progress

Trauma-induced behavior issues erode social competence and confidence

6/27/17

Slide51

Basic Financial Skills Mandatory

Many students do not know how to calculate how much money they will need for college completion, especially as grants tend to decrease as they near graduation.About 1180 foster care students “age out” of foster care every year in Texas and become homeless due to lack of basic life, academic, financial and social skills

Researchers have found that a lack of basic math skills is a more reliable predictor of loan defaults than is

income http://www.educationnews.org/k-12-schools/study-basic-numeracy-good-predictor-of-future-loan-default

/

6/27/17

Slide52

Will They Graduate? They Need:

The Support of a Caring Adult;Counseling for Mental Health Issues resulting from homelessness;

Help developing study skills, maintaining stable housing and transportation in college, and advice in choosing a career path;Assistance in balancing demands for work, study, and social networking skills.

6/27/17

Slide53

4) How to Transform Street Resiliency into Completer Persistence

Anger, suspicion, frustration, and other emotions that normally accompany the trauma of homelessness, in the hands of a skilled counselor, mentor or liaison, can be transformed into strengthBuilding on the street knowledge of homeless students and understanding the hurdles they face can, within a trusting relationship, lead to extreme tenacity and strength

6/27/17

Slide54

Lessons from David & GoliathGladwell

, Malcolm. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants. First edition. Little, Brown and Company, 2013. PART ONE:

“The Advantages of Disadvantage (and The Disadvantages of Advantages”) Moore, C.

The Resilience Break-Through. First Edition. Greenleaf Book Group, 2014.

6/27/17

Slide55

Get out the Slingshot

6/27/17

Slide56

Using Their StrengthsHomeless youth often learn alternative ways of getting tasks accomplished; so, for example, they may learn how to do all of their homework on the bus or how to juggle an alternative school schedule with a fulltime job;

They must be at once suspicious of others (having learned how to distinguish real helpers from sex traffickers or pimps)

And they must learn who can be trusted to actually be a resourceIt only takes one person (teacher, mentor, pastor, counselor) to save a student from dropping out

6/27/17

Slide57

The Willingness to Try HarderHighly Mobile Motivated “Underdogs”

Try harder than anyone elseAre desperate and feel they must succeed

Constantly challenge conventionsChallenge ability with relentless effortTry to overcome barriers in any agile way they can

6/27/17

Slide58

Moving from Survivor to CompleterStudents must have both:

Academic foundationsSocial and emotional learning skills (SEL)Predictors of completion for both high school and college include 1) emotional expression 2) support-seeking behaviors 3) direct problem-solving and cognitive decision-making skills

http://www.ccrscenter.org/sites/default/files/CCRS%20Center_Predictors%20of%20Postsecondary%20Success_final_0.

pdf

6/27/17

Slide59

SEL SKILLS; EXHIBIT “GRIT”

5 core SEL skills are important in post-secondary success: 1) self-decision making 2) self-management 3) social awareness 4) relationship skills 5) responsible decision-making

HM students’ survivor skills match many of these SEL skills: HM college students make all decisions based on their goal to graduate. They pay for tuition instead of rent; they self-manage late adolescent desires vs. long-term goals; they are acutely aware of how they might blend in with their mostly middle class classmates.

6/27/17

Slide60

What is Grit and is it Important?They exhibit “grit.” This research is based on Angela Duckworth’s book by that name and her now-famous TED talk on the subject.

courageconscientiousness

– the discipline and drive to “go for the gold;”

Passion and drive outweigh dependability and IQ when it comes to reaching the goal. Or, to put it less delicately, it’s better to be a racehorse than an ass

long-term goals, practice and follow-through

6/27/17

Slide61

College as a Test of GritCollege enrollment is an especially challenging task for a homeless student.

6/27/17

Slide62

Helping a Homeless Student Choose a College

Explore the student’s interests;Where will the student feel comfortable?

Is housing available year-round?Differences in life experience:College-going culture – being the first is tough;

Anxiety around admission and college breaks;Unaccustomed to having a supportive adult throughout the process of application(s)

2-year vs. 4-year institution

6/27/17

Slide63

Helping a Homeless Student Choose a College

Housing, Jobs, Transportation. Does the university offer?Housing during breaks. Students living in dorms are still considered homeless;

Employment opportunitiesTransportation options

Availability of no-cost tutoring and other supports

6/27/17

Slide64

Helping a Homeless Student Choose a College Rural vs. Urban opportunities:

Small colleges may offer fewer job and transportation options;Urban environments may offer more of these amenities, but less in the way of personal support

.Personal relationships you build with universities in your area may help you know which university is right for each student.

6/27/17

Slide65

College Selection

Focus, again, on the special needs of homeless students by providing extra attention to housing, employment, and transportation options;Focus on affordability as well as reputation. While no conclusions are final, research does suggest that graduation from an elite private college DOES, in the

long run, pay off (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/weekinreview/19steinberg.html?pagewanted=all&_r=

0).

6/27/17