During the November 2024 Quarterly Call focused on the McKinney-Vento Act, officials from the Tennessee Department of Education highlighted critical barriers faced by homeless students and their families in accessing educational resources. A significant concern raised was the lack of awareness about the McKinney-Vento Act and the federal protections it offers, particularly at school front offices.

Participants noted that many families struggle to advocate for themselves due to language barriers, compounded by a shortage of bilingual staff in schools. As Tennessee continues to welcome diverse cultural groups, the need for effective communication has become increasingly urgent. The meeting underscored that without adequate translation services, families may be unable to navigate the enrollment process or understand their rights under the McKinney-Vento Act.

A key issue discussed was the strict adherence to documentation requirements that often hinders the enrollment of homeless students. The current process, which begins with a checklist of required documents, can prevent families from completing the necessary enrollment paperwork. This approach contradicts the intent of the McKinney-Vento Act, which aims to simplify enrollment for homeless students.

Officials emphasized that while the Act does not mandate homeless liaisons to provide translators, federal law requires local education agencies (LEAs) to offer translation services for families who do not speak English. This means that schools must ensure trained translators are available to assist families during enrollment, rather than relying on students or other parents to fill this role.

The discussions also pointed out that many families may not be aware of their entitlements, such as transportation services, due to a lack of knowledge about the McKinney-Vento Act. This gap in understanding can further complicate their ability to access essential educational resources.

Moving forward, the Tennessee Department of Education aims to address these barriers by improving staff training and communication strategies to better support homeless families. The meeting concluded with a call to action for schools to reassess their enrollment processes and ensure they are inclusive and accessible for all students, particularly those facing homelessness.