A qualitative study of the lived experiences, practices, and perceptions of McKinney-Vento liaisons across North Carolina
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Roslyn Moffitt (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Craig Peck
Abstract: Students who are highly mobile typically change schools frequently and are in danger of learning loss (Aratani, 2009). There are innumerable issues that confront homeless families. The loss of housing for these families affects all aspects of a child’s education. Significant populations of homeless children who attend school have experienced or will experience some type of trauma that may affect cognition, behavior, and relationships (Van Der Kolk, 2014). The McKinney-Vento Act is the federal policy mandated in 1986 and reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. The Act designates services provided to children and youth experiencing homelessness to ensure educational access. An important facet of this legislation was the identification of a McKinney-Vento Liaison (MVL) in each school district to develop, review, and revise policies that are a barrier to a student’s educational access. The MVL is designated to facilitate strategies for families experiencing homelessness and has an extensive list of responsibilities. Although there is significant research on homelessness and the effectiveness or the ineffectiveness of the McKinney-Vento Legislation, there has been less research on the lived experiences of McKinney-Vento Liaisons and the challenges of the position. My interest in this study was to learn more about and share the experiences of McKinney-Vento Liaisons regarding the important role they play in supporting unhoused children and youth. The McKinney-Vento Liaison can be a lifeline for families navigating the school system during a period when school may be the only stable part of their existence. Through this interview-based qualitative study, I sought to listen to MVLs and their accounts of their lived experiences and perceptions, and of turning legislative policy into practice. The question motivating my study was: What are the experiences and perceptions of McKinney-Vento Liaisons regarding their work with homeless youth and families? To answer this question, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 liaisons who worked in different regions in North Carolina. I found in my study that McKinney-Vento Liaisons’ multiplicity of roles impacts their ability to fully engage families. I also discovered that the participants did not receive training prior to assuming the position, though they received assistance and professional development from the State Coordinator’s Office once they were in the role. In addition, my participants reported that they are ultimately responsible for a district’s students who are experiencing homelessness, but they must develop partnerships and collaborations to assist homeless families effectively. Another significant finding was that they lacked fiscal resources specifically dedicated to McKinney-Vento students. I conclude my dissertation by offering recommendations for practice, such as the development of a tiered operating practice protocol that MVLs might use to quickly assess families’ needs.
A qualitative study of the lived experiences, practices, and perceptions of McKinney-Vento liaisons across North Carolina
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Created on 8/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Homelessness, McKinney-Vento Act, McKinney-Vento Liaisons
- Subjects
- Homeless children $x Education $z North Carolina
- Homeless children $x Services for $z North Carolina
- United States. $t McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act