5 Myths About Homeless Schools

School's about to start in some areas and already has in others, and student homelessness is still nowhere close to declining. Some schools serve only homeless students, but they come under harsh, and often unfounded, criticism. Here are some of the myths about homeless schools:

1. It's segregation. This argument almost shut down Positive Tomorrows in Oklahoma City, but it misses a vital point. Homeless students can't be forced to attend homeless schools, just given the option. It's up to parents and guardians to decide if a homeless child stays in her school of origin (which she's legally entitled to do) or changes to a homeless school. Schools for homeless students are generally nonprofit tuition-free private schools or public charter schools and can require admissions applications. Essentially, like a school for budding musicians or a school specializing in helping autistic students succeed, schools for homeless students address a specific need.

2. They're not as good as mainstream schools. This one is true only in the sense that they tend to be better. Schools for homeless students like Positive Tomorrows and First Place in Seattle are better equipped to help students, and generally have more resources, better training for staff and smaller classes than regular public schools.

3. These needs could be met at the school of origin. On behalf of teachers in low-income public schools everywhere, let me say, we wish that were true! Though there are some programs offering assistance, homeless students need more than school supplies and tutoring. They need counselors, social workers, and most of all teachers who are able to address their complex and diverse needs. Unfortunately, educational plans that place standardized test scores above all else don't leave much time for helping homeless students. Plus, funds for homeless students are incredibly lacking. The coming school year is a perfect storm of rising homelessness, shrinking budgets and growing class sizes. Homeless schools usually have their own fundraising projects to balance out these challenges.

4. It's about keeping homeless people out of sight. I'd argue that these schools actually increase the visibility of homeless people. Because becoming homeless can be considered "neglect" and cost parents custody, homeless parents often try to keep schools from finding out about their homeless status. (Duh). Homeless students usually try to hide their situation too, for fear of being bullied, becoming embarrassed, or because they think they're the only one. Students who attend homeless schools almost always return to mainstream classrooms. After being in a safe place where "homeless" isn't a dirty word, I think students are more likely to tell their housed friends that they are or were homeless.

5. We should focus on getting people housed, not worrying about homeless students. The educational needs of homeless children aren't going to wait. Covenant House Academies in Michigan, for example, operate through homeless shelters and are some of the only schools in the state available to high school students who left or were forced out of traditional schools. Without Covenant House Academies, many students would be out of options for graduating. Moreover, it's not an either/or. Work on rapid rehousing, preventing homeless and on teaching homeless students go together. One study found that 38 percent of homeless people don't have a high school diploma or GED. Hmm, maybe that's a contributing factor? Maybe keeping homeless students educated and meeting their needs will help prevent them from becoming homeless again as adults?

More than one million students are currently homeless in this country. We all know that ending homelessness means preventing it, and until more help arrives, homeless schools can be a valuable part of doing that.

Photo credit: loop_oh