Title: The Power of Relationship: How Mentorship Can Support Chronically Absent Homeless Students

Date: Thursday, August 29, 2019, 1:00 – 2:15PM ET

[Certificate of Attendance available upon completion]

Research shows that chronically absent students, especially those also experiencing homelessness, are less likely to meet grade-level proficiency standards and more likely to drop out of school–and that even absences in early grades have lasting impact. Research also indicates, however, that strong relationships can be a powerful protective factor in supporting improved school attendance and success. In this webinar, we’ll learn about the core components and foundational theories of Check & Connect: an evidence-based intervention used with students who show warning signs of disengagement with school and who are at risk of dropping out. Participants will also learn about the basic steps involved in implementing Check & Connect, and will hear from a school district homeless liaison about one district’s promising results implementing Check & Connect. Finally, participants will hear from a young person who experienced homelessness in high school and how mentorship supported her path to graduation.

Presenters:

• Joseph Angaran – Training Director and National Trainer, Check & Connect – Institute on Community Integration at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• Sarah Miller – McKinney-Vento Liaison – Spokane Public Schools, Spokane, WA
• Tara MacKenzie – SchoolHouse Connection Youth Scholar, Keiser University Freshman