Homeless Education-McKinney VentoAccountability Programs :

The federal McKinney Vento Act is designed to ensure that the 800,000 children and youth who experience homelessness in the United States receive the education to which children are entitled. The Act pertains to all public schools – school districts and charter schools - requiring that education and services be provided to students at their ‘schools of origin’ (school student was attending when the student and /or family first became homeless). This provision is designed to provide students with some stability in their lives when so many other factors are in flux. The McKinney Vento Act has specific requirements that pertain to school districts with Title I schools and also includes provisions related to students with special education needs. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is committed to assisting districts and schools meet the Homeless Education requirements of NCLB’s Title X Part C. MDE staff are available to discuss provisions of the Act, problem-solve with school districts as to the needs of students, and refer school staff to available experts/advocates in homeless education.

MDE Contact: Ruth Ellen Luehr, 651/582-8403

Requirement Announcement
All districts must have a written homeless student enrollment dispute resolution policy. It is also recommended that districts have written policies for identifying, enrolling, transporting and educating homeless students. In September, we will make examples from the St. Paul Public School District available.

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