Foster Care

OVERVIEW:

Title I, Part A provides federal funding to support the educational needs of students from low-income families. In 2016, the law was amended to ensure that students in FOSTER CARE receive the same educational opportunities as other students. This amendment places responsibility on both local educational agencies (LEAs) and state educational agencies (SEAs) to support the academic success of children in foster care and remove barriers to their education.

Under Title I, Part A, school districts are required to collaborate with child welfare agencies to ensure that foster youth are promptly enrolled in school, remain in their school of origin (when in the student's "best interest"), and have access to the necessary educational services. This includes providing timely transfers of records, addressing disruptions in schooling, and ensuring foster youth have access to appropriate support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and other interventions. The law also mandates that foster care students are included in accountability measures for academic achievement, ensuring they are not excluded from important educational resources.

In essence, Title I, Part A, aims to close the achievement gap for students in foster care by ensuring they receive consistent and appropriate educational services, ultimately working to reduce the negative effects of instability on their learning.

If you have questions or would like additional information regarding the foster care program in Marshall County Schools, you may email Trevor Mitchell (mitchellt@marshallk12.org) for additional information.