Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care (Out-of-Home Care)
The School District of Thorp is committed to ensuring educational stability and equal access to educational opportunities for students who are placed in out-of-home care (foster care). In accordance with Title I, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA/ESSA) and Wisconsin state law, the District works collaboratively with county, tribal, and state child welfare agencies to support students in foster care. Students in foster care are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the same manner as all other students. Students in foster care will not be stigmatized, segregated, or discriminated against based on their foster care status and will be treated equitably in accordance with District policy and state and federal law.
Definition of Foster Care / Out-of-Home Care
For the purposes of this policy, foster care (also referred to as out-of-home care) means 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the child welfare agency has placement and care responsibility. This may include placements in foster family homes, relative care, group homes, shelters, residential facilities, or other court-ordered placements.
Educational Stability
The School District of Thorp will ensure that students in foster care experience minimal disruption to their education by:
- Making decisions that prioritize the best interest of the student
- Supporting the student’s right to remain in the school of origin, when appropriate
- Providing immediate enrollment in a new school if a school change is determined to be in the student’s best interest
Factors considered may include, but are not limited to:
- The student’s safety and well-being
- The student’s educational needs and progress
- The length of time remaining in the school year
- The student’s preference, when appropriate
Enrollment and Records
If a student in foster care enrolls in a new school:
- Enrollment will occur immediately, even if required documentation is not available at the time of enrollment.
- The District will work with the child welfare agency to promptly transfer educational records.
- The student will be provided access to all educational programs and services for which they are eligible, including Title I services.
Transportation
When remaining in the school of origin is determined to be in the student’s best interest, the District will collaborate with the child welfare agency to arrange and fund transportation, as required under Title I, Part A of ESEA.
Equal Access to Programs and Services
Students in foster care will have equal access to all District programs and services for which they are eligible, including academic, extracurricular, nutrition, early learning, career and technical education, and before- and after-school programs.
Records Privacy (FERPA)
The District protects the privacy of students and families and shares information related to foster care placements in accordance with FERPA and District policy.
District Foster Care Point of Contact
In compliance with federal law, the School District of Thorp has designated a Foster Care Point of Contact to coordinate services and ensure educational stability for students in out-of-home care.
Name: Mike Dombrowski
Phone: 715-669-5401 ext. 2010
Email: mdowbrowksi@thorp.k12.wi.us
Legal References
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Title I, Part A
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care
Dispute Resolution Process
If a disagreement arises regarding a student’s educational placement, the District will follow the dispute resolution process established by the State Educational Agency. To the extent feasible, the student will remain in the school of origin while the dispute is resolved.
This webpage is intended to provide general information regarding educational stability for students in foster care. For additional assistance or questions, please contact the District’s Foster Care Point of Contact.
