ERIC Number: EJ1070430
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0951-8398
EISSN: N/A
Homelessness in the Elementary School Classroom: Social and Emotional Consequences
Chow, Kirby A.; Mistry, Rashmita S.; Melchor, Vanessa L.
International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education (QSE), v28 n6 p641-662 2015
This study examined elementary school teachers' experiences working with homeless students. Specifically, we focused on the psychosocial impacts of homelessness on students and their teachers. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 teachers who worked at designated public schools for family homeless shelters. A prominent theme that emerged from teachers' accounts was how the instability tied to homelessness affected students' behavioral, social, and emotional adjustment in the classroom (e.g. externalizing problems, difficulty developing peer relationships, and withdrawn behavior). Teachers' own social and emotional competencies (e.g. fostering positive teacher-student relationships, and perspective taking) influenced the manner in which they responded to their students' needs. Findings suggest that critical components may be lacking articulation in the McKinney-Vento Act's Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program such as guidelines for teacher responsibilities, supports for teachers, and an emphasis not only on children's academic but also social and emotional needs.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Homeless People, Elementary School Students, Social Influences, Qualitative Research, Semi Structured Interviews, Public Schools, Teacher Competencies, Educational Policy, Federal Legislation, Teacher Role, Resilience (Psychology), Teacher Effectiveness, Demography, Emotional Experience
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Act 1987
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A