On the Conditions of Fragility: Homeless Education Policy, Accountability, and Researcher Reflections

Abstract

This article highlights McKinney-Vento awareness and implementation as experienced and understood by unaccompanied youth facing housing instability and the adults charged with its implementation in schools. A qualitative inquiry was used to capture the perspectives of youth experiencing housing instability as they navigated a large urban school district in the Midwest. Research observations and the perspectives of six unaccompanied unstably housed youth attending two high schools in Chicago and the adults charged with providing educational services are presented here. The theme of Policy Awareness and Accountability emerged from the school observations and narratives of the youth and adult experiences. Participant experiences and insight indicate the need to increase school/community awareness and accountability of McKinney-Vento. Last, the author provides reflections on the complexities and fragility of navigating the research process.