New National Research on the Impact of Transportation Consistency
New National Research on the Impact of Transportation Consistency
Alternative Student Transportation benefits students in foster care by providing stability and consistency in their education, allowing them to maintain attendance and participation at their school of origin even when their living arrangements change. This continuity is essential for their academic progress and emotional well-being, helping to minimize disruptions in their schooling and social connections during a period of significant change in their lives.
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, foster care is a temporary, court-monitored service to enhance the safety and well-being of children and youth. Students in foster care may temporarily live in out-of-home placements with relatives (known as “kinship care”) or nonrelative caregivers.
The U.S. Department of Education reports that there are hundreds of thousands of children in foster care at any given time. Although students in foster care are more likely to face educational difficulties and experience higher dropout rates than their peers, school districts can support these students by providing them with consistent access to education by utilizing Alternative Student Transportation.
For students in foster care, reliable transportation is vital, especially considering the challenges they may have faced. Small-capacity vehicles offer a more dependable and personalized transportation experience than the traditional school bus. This gives students a sense of security and stability that protects their well-being, reduces stress, and allows them to concentrate better on their studies.
Additionally, access to safe and reliable transportation daily means that students in foster care can continue attending their school of origin, maintaining consistent routines and relationships with teachers and peers.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is an education law that replaced the previous No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act in 2015. The ESSA aims to provide all children with equitable access to high-quality education and help close achievement gaps. This law also extends flexibility for Title I funds to be used for student services, including school transportation.
Under the ESSA, students in foster care are entitled to transportation services that enable their passage to and from their school of origin. This act enables school districts to collaborate with child welfare agencies to ensure that students in foster care receive the support they need to reach their full potential and thrive academically.
