Supporting the Academic Success of Students With Foster Care Experience: Lessons From Sweetwater Union High School District

• In Event: Learning From New Research on Large-Scale Efforts to Disrupt Racial Injustices in Education

Abstract

The Multi-Tiered System of Support has brought considerable attention to the academic needs of students with foster care experience (FCE). To help identify effective strategies that address these needs, this brief details the findings of a case study of Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD), based in Chula Vista, California, and its practices, programs, and policies that promote the academic well-being of students with FCE. Conjointly, drawing from interviews with California high school graduates with FCE, we will also report students’ recommendations for schools serving such students, as well as “best practices” identified in focus groups conducted with educators and service providers.

Authors

• Sierra Wollenhall, University of Washington

• Angelique Day, University of Washington

• Anthony Gómez, University of California - Berkeley