Abstract

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Education Improvement Act of 1987 protects the rights of homeless children and youth in the United States and ensures that homeless children receive a free and appropriate education and the major goal of the McKinney-Vento Act is to address barriers that prevent homeless children from attending school or receiving educational services (Title VII B-McKinney-Vento Act).

"No Homeless Child Left Behind: The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Improvement Act in Dallas" is a study seeking to explore the degree to which the Dallas Independent School District implements the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 as compared to the requirements of the law. This research will also attempt to determine how successfully the McKinney-Vento Act has impacted the educational needs of homeless children in the Dallas Independent School District. It will look at the district's response to the McKinney Act from a social perspective, policy and governance review, and implementation front. Specifically, this study will pursue responses to four questions: How has the Dallas Independent School District responded to its homeless population as a result of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act? (1) What are the DISD policies concerning homeless children? (2) What services are provided to homeless children by the DISD as a result of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act? (3) How can DISD improve its implementation of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act and services to homeless children?

Formal and informal interviews with key informants were used to obtain data on how the McKinney Act impacts the educational needs of homeless children in the Dallas Independent School District. The interviewees selected were individuals who work with homeless children on a daily basis. Individuals who oversee local homeless shelters, DISD school principals, and, federal, state, and local government officials who establish and monitor homeless education policies were interviewed.

There were 18 interviews held to examine how DISD implements the McKinney Act of 1987 as compared to the outlined requirements of the law. Among the interviews held, all respondents were concerned with the overall achievement of homeless children, however, there were varied opinions of how things are done and/or should be executed in the school district. The intent of the McKinney Act is to decrease or eliminate barriers that prohibit homeless children from receiving a free and appropriate education.

As a result of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Improvement Act, the Dallas Independent School District has responded to its homeless population very positively. There are numerous strategies developed and implemented to meet the needs of homeless children and youth in the Dallas Independent School District. Dallas ISD has implemented various policies, procedures, and programs, as well as disseminated information and provided training regarding homelessness and its effect on children and youth.