Overlooked: The Far-Reaching Consequences of Late Identification of Homeless Students for Special Education Services

A new policy report examines when the special education needs of homeless students in New York City are most often identified, the impact of that timing on educational and behavioral outcomes, and the role that school stability plays in timely identification. Meeting the special education needs of homeless students as early as possible ensures this already marginalized group of children does not needlessly fall behind in school.…

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Empty Seats: The Epidemic of Absenteeism Among Homeless Elementary Students

School absences are pervasive across New York City. Almost one in five New York City public school elementary students (19%) were chronically absent in SY 2013-14, missing 20 days or more of school. Worse, homeless elementary students were chronically absent at roughly twice the rate of elementary students overall. This report examines the disparities in absenteeism and its impact on educational achievement, comparing homeless students and their housed peers, regardless of family income level.…

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Rapidly Rehousing Homeless Families: New York City—a Case Study

This opinion brief points to New York City as a case study on rapid rehousing and takes a critical look at the long-term impact of federally driven rapid rehousing policies, raising fundamental questions about the effectiveness of rapid rehousing as a solution when it is used in a one-size-fits all manner.…

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