Hurricane Katrina updates

1. Louisiana has developed procedures to assist with the enrollment of their displaced students.
2. USDE has been asked  states to address such issues as:

Graduation issues- what is required in one state may be different than in another state

State Chief School officers will be asked to send in a list of their top concerns.

The President has declared disaster areas- but families are moving to areas not declared disasters and will create a financial impact. States have been asked to keep a record of how many children are enrolling in schools in each state.

Maine will need to keep a record of the impact of flood victims in schools, communities, services, etc.

Hard hit areas will need expanded letters of credit for food-Dept of Agriculture

Teachers have been displaced as well as students-teachers may not have certification papers with them, but they should be on state systems.

States may need a waiver for student-teacher ratios as they take in more students. TX, TN request.

Language-French spoken frequently in Louisiana-ESL needs for students going to other states.

Questions regarding immigrant and refugee dollars-will time been expanded from 3 to 5 years for immigration.

Education- not all services available for kids in the past may be available where they move.

How long do we take the word of folks regarding their educational placement?

Head start is speaking to Wash regarding waivers/vouchers for placement, maybe private daycare providers can help.

Are their charter school issues?

Private schools-a large portion  Louisiana students attend private schools, parents may look for private school placement.

What about suspended/expelled youth?-Case by case basis.

Office Max and Walmart are providing uniforms/supplies.