Beating the Odds: How Can Schools and Districts Support Students Experiencing Homelessness?

Released under Building Changes’ Schoolhouse Washington project, this report summarizes findings from a study conducted by Building Changes to identify and learn from high-performing schools and districts that show positive educational outcomes for students experiencing homelessness. We interviewed staff from 23 schools and 31 districts across Washington, and analyzed our data to identify practices that schools with better outcomes use to support students experiencing homelessness. The results add to the limited amount of empirical research linking strategies to student outcomes, contribute to the emerging literature on best practices, and inform improved practices to support students experiencing homelessness in Washington State.