HEN 2015

Moving From Access to SuccessJani Koester, M.S.Ed., M.ed.Amy Noble, MSW, LCSWTransition Education Program, Madison WI

NAEHCY November 14, 2015

1Networking:

Help yourself to a dot,

say hello to someone you havent met yet!8:00 8:10 all2For This afternoonWelcomeBeliefsStrategiesRound TablesStrategiesResourcesWrap UpI Care by

IntroductionsWhat do you know? What do you want to know?Introductions:TEP Madison, WI Annie E Casey Foundation Kids Count 2014 reportWISC TV Editorial

8:15 8:45 Julie5Who is in the room?

I have not met a student that has chosen to become homeless even youth that have left home have done it for good reasonsHomelessness is a trauma but usually another trauma has caused homelessness Dont lower your expectations, scaffold how to meet them dont modify dont dumb them down.I would never want a teacher to feel that they could not teach or support a homeless studentI firmly believe that our student voices are the thing that changes hearts and minds

My Beliefs.Research Summary: Teaching and Classroom Strategies for Homeless and Highly Mobile Students 2013

NCHE Link to the article National Center Homeless Education website

We have them Enrolled: Now what?Everyday is a first day for someone!

9:30 Jani9Perceptions about School start before walking in the classroomStart with open mind, no assumptions and with a warm excitement that this is a new family who has a lot to offer your school!

Be welcoming and provide support Offer to help they may feel shy or awkward about asking for assistance. Dont ask just once; check in as the enrollment progresses

Show interest in who they are as a family without being intrusive into private matters

Try to encourage their participation in school wide activities as soon as possible

Family centered enrollmentHave someone support the family during registration - this is new for everyoneTake pictures of the family to give to them and display school wide, try displaying family photos of ALL school familiesHave a handout listing parent opportunities/groups available Give parents a formal invitation at enrollment to participate in upcoming parent groups and school wide activitiesHelp with transportation if needed

Attitude is Everything!

Warmly Welcome your new student/family it is their first day; make it their best even if it is your worst!

Expect change to happen in your classroom and be ready for it.

Fair is not always equal

What is it like in your schools?

What do you hear classroom staff saying about students who are experiencing homelessness?What have you experienced?What have you seen?What are the challenges?What are the celebrations?What worked?What didnt?What do you wish you knew more about?What do you wish you could do differently?Group Activity: What are you hearing from the classroom?Brainstorm on chart paper: What positives, concerns have you heardnoticedseen in/from the classroom/school staff about supporting and working with students experiencing homelessness.

How have you responded?

positivesconcernsotherpositivesconcernsotherBe prepared: for someone new to join the classroomExtra materials/backpack, desks/work areaMake Routine for classroom visibleAssign/ Find a BuddyWelcoming activities for 2 weeksHave Extra materials gathered from beginning of the year to share as new families come inCollect instructions and materials for longer term projects have on hand for quick start upHave examples of previously finished projects, assignments put together a folder of good examplesCreate a portfolio to document the students work, personal characteristics, and preferred learning styleBuild communityTour of school on arrival (or within 2-3 days)Welcoming activitiesInterview of new student and pictureSchool-wide expectations sharedWelcome letter from principalOpportunity to meet key people in the school (principal, nurse, lunchroom staff, specials staff, etc)InterviewPicture and postedNew welcome board for studentsNew welcome board for familiesWelcome spot/room for parents parent centerTake picture of families give picture to the family (may be the only one they have) Explain and give expectations/rules of the school

Be observantStaff in the classroom usually notice things before anyone elseBe aware of the potential warning signs of homelessnessMandatory reporterNotice change in Behavior or AttitudeNotice change in AttendanceNotice where they often go (for food, clothes, items)

Keep expectations High In class Around homework On transportation Attendance Participation as a classroom member Social and emotional interactions Parent/guardian involvement

Be Knowledgeable about trauma Every homeless child has experienced traumaHomelessness is a trauma on its own It is the students perceptions that countUnderstand how trauma can effect siblings in the same family differently School Wide remindersProtect recess - dont withhold recess as a consequence or always use for tutoring/mentoring opportunitiesThey need that time to socializeThey need that time to playThey need that time to experience school as funThey need that time to learn in different waysEstablish school wide welcoming practicesEstablish school wide awareness around mobility and homelessnessBecome a trauma informed schoolBuild a basic needs donation closet

Provide Best Practices in the classroomBuild new community everyday for at least 2 weeks when a new student arrivesMorning meetingsWelcome to classroom every day no matter when they arriveHave genuine smile Differentiate curriculum and try to meet each childs individual needsNetwork with school staff Social worker, nurse, secretary, lunchroom, etc. to meet needsSet up tutor/mentors when possible academic and social skills could need a lot of supportTry to keep homework that goes home minimal space, time, tools may be unavailable.Help meet basic needs so student is ready to learnHelp remedy needs in the classroom.Develop an environment that encourages learning and cooperationDevelop awareness!For staff around homelessnessAbout trauma and its effects on students, staff and schoolsWelcoming and safe feelings through out the schoolPBIS (Positive Behavior Supports) activities and what it means in your schoolTransportation connectionsBuild empathy and understanding among classmatesStart a student club to build awareness about community needs

Know where resources are in your school/community

School suppliesBasic needs suppliesArt materialsClothes if not in your school where can they access them?Community food and health resources 211After-school resources/clubs at your schoolParent resources and supports

Know your district policiesWho is the liaison for homeless children?What are the rights for homeless children?What are the transportation policies in the district?What are the food guidelines? Respect students right to privacyHow is the community and district supporting each other around the issues of students who are homeless?Credit recovery and partial credit supportsField trip permission slipsFee waivers

What can I do As a teacher?Become informed about McKinney-VentoBecome an AdvocateGet involvedGet your classroom involvedDont be afraid to use the word Homeless Support an organization in your community that supports families that are homeless.Take care of yourselfAsk for help when you need it

Lets talk about the

MOBILITY SHUFFLEProcessing the Mobility ShuffleHow did this make you feel?Did it effect your learning?Did you leave anything behind? why or why not?What did you become aware of?Did you find yourself anticipating anything?How did you cope?What did you notice about the reforming of groups?What new thoughts do you have about mobile students?What can we do to support mobile students and families?

Did you get angryWhat new thoughts do you have about being mobileRange of emotions happened to you in a range of 20 mins.? And you were never in any danger, knew you have a place to stay, knew you will have a meal..

27Round table DiscussionsTake time to share around your table one of your favorite/most effective ideas/strategies that you have either implemented, shared or heard about when working with students or families experiencing homelessnessRound Table discussion part 2Once you have made it around your table, prepare to choose one or two of the ideas that are most unique or effective.

Choose someone to share with the large group

Be prepared to also share how the table believe this idea could be adapted for other age groups or populations.Take A BreakPlease be back in 5 minutes3:00 break30Mobility and Homelessness InterventionsAttitude is Everything!

Make sure students feel welcome, wanted and safe!

Be Prepared all year for new students

Build Community in school and classroom

Family Centered Enrollment

Be Observant you may be the first to notice

Keep expectations high - academic, attendance, behaviorMobility and Homelessness InterventionsHomelessness is a Trauma be trauma informed

Establish School wide practices

Use Best Practices in Classrooms

Develop Awareness in schools and community

Know the resources: in both school & community

Know your district policies

Working with ClassroomsShare what I do and Hear what they doHelp make connections to their students and familiesTalk about trauma and being trauma informedBuild awareness both with them and for their classroom communityExplore resources and supportsCheck Back in

Share what I do and Hear what they doHow do they welcome new students to the school? To their classrooms? How do they prepare for new student when they arrive in Nov or March? (Planning Sheet)What is their comfort level working with homeless children?Help make connections to their life (How Vulnerable Are You)Help make connection to the children share stories, bring their reality to them (What Is Your Day Like)Talk about trauma and being trauma informedWhat are their questions about homelessnessHow can they build awareness in their classroom without breaking confidentiality (student comfort as well as classroom comfort and parent ease)Community homelessness - they are not aloneResources and contacts along with my own contactCheck in a week later, month laterHelp teachers look at what they think are their practices that may be exclusionary and put up barriers

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34How Schools Can Help Children Who Are Experiencing HomelessnessStabilize the Childs Basic NeedsPhysical NeedsEmotional NeedsSocial NeedsBuild RelationshipsSchool wideClassroomRecessFamilyProvide check-insTwo daysTwo weeksOne month

3535These are possible solutions to addressing barriers that children and families face when experiencing homelessness. We will explore at each one more thoroughly.Build your own Maslows Hierarchy for your schoolFill in the chart based on the ways your school meet the needs of your students.

Blog Post: Maslow comes to life StrategiesKeep language in the present journal entries, etcVisual schedules, individual schedules, Sensory breaks, quiet breaks Washing of clothing (with parent permission)Photos that include them in the pictures (classroom, family) where they can see they are a part of the communityUse of tents to create individual space for the child. Useful for taking a break (TAB) or place for naps etc. note possible creating a high school program of washing laundry by vocational rehab students. drop off and pick up at the high school. StrategiesFriendship groups, Small group curriculum focusing on homeless coping skillsHealthy snacks and breakfast available for whenever child arrives at schoolWelcome them when they arrive! Help them feel visible Give them choicesSpecial place to keep their belongingsSpecial place to display their work

Looking together at the classroom

WelcomingCultural competenceHow do they help with students feeling wantedSupport systems for homework expectationsExplicit teaching opportunitiesSupport staff support and connectionsTransportationSchool supports afterschool, tutoringParent engagementCommunity connections and services

Professional DevelopmentMcKinney Vento training for all staffMeet individually with staff Brainstorm about individual studentsPhone consultation/technical supportTrain POC in each buildingDistrict wide leadership/conversationsBi-monthly email newsletters to SW and POC

Professional DevelopmentUnderstanding Mobility and Homelessness Class 6 weeksMadison Metro. School District Trauma modules: 10 modulesClassroom Action Research specific to supporting students experincing homelessness -1x a month through out the school year HEN Homeless Education Network GooglesiteCommunity/Faith and Service Groups awareness and collaboration HSC (CoC) BASES project mentors with 4k-2nd graders UW collaboration

Share good resources on trauma information

Share MMSD video modules

SELF CARE! Understanding Traumatic Stress in Children

ACES Stress and Early Brain Growth

TEP Program Specific Provide library with variety of materials teachers can use to talk about mobility, change, homelessnessFacilitate classroom discussions on homelessness and mobilityProvide opportunities for homeless youth/parents to share their voices/storiesService learning opportunities for TEP/ community sites

Library includes videos and DVDs that are appropriate for different grade levels43I use a Variety of activities, we can just pull and use for Varying ages, time lengths (other NAECHY)Can be modified for eitherSwitchMaking ChoicesPoverty simulationsVideosLetter Writing to elected officials

Adult activitiesMobility ShuffleMobility BINGOUnaccompanied Youth QuizYouth ActivitiesWhat Is Your Day Like?How Vulnerable Are You?Garbage Bag ActivityWWA-sharing youth voices

Family EngagementFamilies experiencing homelessness have challenges, school engagement may not be their priority that doesnt mean that they are not supportive or do not want opportunities to be involvedMeet them where they are mentally, physically, emotionallyAsk more than once, in fact ask over and over and over, continually provide opportunities of all kindsBe a Welcoming School Provide Transportation & meals when neededParent Groups at the shelters

Who We Are: Voices in Our communityDay Away Opportunity for students that have experienced homelessness to come together on college campus

Spend time networking and writing

Creates materials to use to build community awareness and sell for donations for program useBook 3 volumes Tree of wishesMedia of students reading their writing and of the day

Teenagers

Kansas City Teen shares her storyThe Risks48How can we support these students?Do students know how to get supplies?School supplies, hygiene, tickets to sports, prom etc.

What is done to engage a student when they enroll after the start of the Quarter? Are partial credits offered?

What assessments are done to know what strengths students walk in with?

What are you doing already for all students that works well for students experiencing homelessness?

How can we support these students?PBIS Welcoming practices work for ALL students(Welcome, Wanted and Safe)Do you have a welcoming system for all new students? Tour? Interview? Connection to peers?These are teenagers who may be very disconnected, what creative ways can you foster connections while keeping confidentiality?Does the student have a history which includes multiple school changes?If the student is working at grade level then perhaps they are gifted.Can you make sure they have a private locker with a lock?Laundry? Showers? Clothes? Food? In what ways can the Liaison act as the parent What can you get out of their way?

Children arent running to something, they are running from something.

The Making of a GirlWhat Youth want us to knowIf we dont go looking for them, they take that as confirmation that we dont careImagine sleeping on the bus or at Dennys; what would you want when you got to school?Be Genuine: if you really dont care, dont say you doSmileThey know they may be doing everything possible to push us away; they dont see this as a reason for us to stop trying!ToolsCheck lists and ResourcesUY Initial ChecklistUY Safety ChecklistUY Resources WI and USUY Resources Local to Dane CountyWhat Youth Want You to KnowMMSD Trafficking ProtocolNAEHCY videos etc.

google drive access for toolsGET OUT OF MY LIFE, but can you take me and Cheryl to the mall first?What I have learnedBe real, address my privilege and the power differential immediatelyLets use what is available to me to get things out of the way for youYou dont have to talk to me, if the questions are too much say StopStart with tangible concrete items and tasksHygiene supplies, SS card, Birth Certificate, Enrolment etc.Constantly use the data generated by the relationship to inform what to do nextAre there AODA issues? Trauma? Mental Health? Trafficking?Expect to be hurt, by them or by systemsDo not expect them to be where they say they will be or doing what they say they will more than 50% of the timeStay in for as long as possible, maturation is still happening!They become available to what you have to offer eventually and its a joy

Make Room For Youth

This film has won 2 national awards, one for the content and one for the quality of the production!

MRFY FilmMY OWN FOUR WALLS video trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbSgzEQJXs8

56Making Choices ActivityEveryday our families have to make choices about their lives. How to best support their children. Some are students on their own trying to make ends meet.Creativity and choices are a part of choices families and students experiencing homelessness make everyday.

taff must remember that they cannot possibly meet all the needs of a homeless child, but doing something can make a huge difference. sSELF CAREBuild it into your practiceSharing and Questions.

EvaluationsWhile you are writing: Some words from students who have experienced homelessness in Madison Schools

Who We Are: Voices in our Community

Contact Information:Jani Koester, ME, MEd608-204-2063608-444-8996jkoester@madison.k12.wi.us

Amy Noble, MSW, LCSW608-204-6826608-575-0249anoble@madison.k12.wi.us

facebook:TEP facebook pageMadison Metropolitan School District TEP websiteMMSD TEP

61EVALUATIONS pleaseLinksProtecting the Mental Health of Homeless Children & Youth: Healing Hands Nov 4 No 1 Madison Metropolitan School District Trauma Modules Shelter from the Storm article - Teaching Tolerance Gina Aguglia - Middle School ClubsSevere Poverty Affects Brains Development, Wi school News pages 14-17Homeless-and Doubled Up, Educational Leadership March 2015Article: Understanding Traumatic Stress in Children, The National Center on Family Homelessness, February 2006

2 Media clips for you to review at your leisure:Hard times generation: homeless kids - 60 Minutes - CBS News

Who We Are: Voices in Our Community UW writing project with students experiencing homelessness in Madison WI https://www.education.wisc.edu/soe/news-events/news/2014/05/08/greater-madison-writing-project-featured-on-big-ten-network-s-forward-motion