Fostering Success: A Collaborative Approach to Empowering Youth in Education
Written by Chrissa Dockendorf and Kendra Jones
As educators, parents, and community members, we all bear a collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and the support needed to thrive academically and emotionally. Yet, for far too long, children in foster care have been among the most underserved and overlooked in our educational system, facing significant barriers to academic success. Addressing this issue has become a critical imperative in Oregon, where foster youth experience some of the worst educational outcomes. According to the Oregon Department of Education, “students in foster care graduate on time at a rate (35%) which is less than half that of their peers. Foster care students are also three times as likely to leave school without a credential.” (Oregon Department of Education) Only 31 percent of foster students read and write at grade level proficiency, and only 18% are proficient in mathematics. (Borrud, 2019)
Foster youth encounter a myriad of unique challenges within the educational system stemming from the instability and trauma often associated with their circumstances. Frequent changes in living situations disrupt continuity in education, leading to gaps in learning and difficulty forming lasting connections with teachers and peers. Moreover, the lack of a stable support network can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hinder academic engagement. Many foster youth also grapple with the burden of navigating complex bureaucratic systems, often needing more guidance or advocacy. These challenges impede academic progress and affect their well-being, underscoring the urgency of tailored interventions and support mechanisms.
CASA of Lane County recognized this urgent need for action and embarked on a journey to make a difference. Collaborating with the 4J School District, we launched a pioneering pilot program to transform foster youth’s educational experiences and outcomes in our community. This program, now the Academic Empowerment Advocates program, is a comprehensive initiative that includes one-on-one support and academic advocacy for foster students. The results have been nothing short of remarkable.
At the heart of this initiative are our Academic Empowerment Advocates, dedicated volunteers stationed in 12 schools across the 4J school district, serving 18 students in foster care. These Advocates serve as invaluable allies, guiding foster students through the complexities of the education system, offering personalized support to address academic challenges, bolster attendance, foster social-emotional learning, and cultivate a sense of belonging. We have partnered with the University of Oregon, Prevention Science Institute, HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practices, and College of Education to support evaluation. Our evaluation process includes tracking academic and social-emotional learning indicators and outcomes and gathering feedback from Advocates, teachers, and foster students to ensure we’re effectively meeting their needs.
The impact of these Advocates extends far beyond the classroom. Their presence has shed light on a critical issue—the invisibility of foster students within our schools. Few educators were even aware that they had foster students in their midst, underscoring the need for greater empathy and understanding of the unique educational needs of this vulnerable population.
Through our program, we’ve not only identified and provided vital support to students who were previously slipping through the cracks but also identified systemic gaps that demand our attention. For instance, we’ve recognized the urgent need for Educational Surrogates to support foster students without resource parents, ensuring that every child receives the guidance and advocacy they deserve. We’ve also identified the need for more comprehensive transition support for foster students moving between schools and increased awareness and training among educators about the unique needs of foster students.
Furthermore, our efforts extend beyond individual interventions. We’re actively taking steps toward policy changes to ensure foster students are recognized and prioritized in education reform initiatives. This includes advocating for revisions to the Every Student Succeeds Act to encompass foster students currently under in-home safety and trial reunification plans, ensuring they receive the resources and support necessary to thrive. We’re also advocating for increased funding for foster student support programs and including foster student outcomes in school and district accountability measures.
Our vision is one of expansion and inclusivity. We’re committed to broadening our reach beyond the confines of 4J, extending our support to foster youth across Lane County. Plans are underway to expand our presence into middle schools, with discussions ongoing to encompass additional school districts, including Springfield and Bethel. Our services are highly efficient because we are a volunteer-driven organization; however, the program requires funding to recruit, train, and provide the ongoing support our community volunteers need. We are exploring all funding options to support this vital program, including support for Lane County’s rural school districts.
In this endeavor to uplift foster youth, we must acknowledge the indispensable role of teachers and educators in shaping the educational landscape. Their dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts lay the foundation upon which our pilot program thrives. Through meaningful collaboration with Academic Empowerment Advocates, teachers have played a pivotal role in identifying students’ needs, providing invaluable insights, and working hand-in-hand to create a nurturing environment conducive to learning. Together, they form a dynamic partnership that amplifies the impact of our program, ensuring that every foster student receives the holistic support necessary to succeed.
Reflecting on the strides made through this pilot program, we are optimistic about the future. Each success story reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of education and the resilience of our youth. Together, we can continue building a brighter, more inclusive future for all children and ensure no foster youth is left behind.
In the words of one of our Advocates, “When I started working with my foster student, they could hardly count to ten! In the following weeks, we got them qualified for Title 1 support, and I’ve been working with them one-on-one in math. This week, the student could stay engaged in math for over 40 minutes without getting discouraged and can now confidently count to 10!”
A teacher shared, “Since starting working with their Advocate, our student has been coming out of their shell more and having greater confidence with their friends both in the classroom and at recess.”
Recently, in an official court report, a DHS Caseworker cited grade level proficiency for one of the students in our program, stating that the CASA Academic Empowerment Program provided critical support for math and social-emotional learning, two growth areas for the foster student.
These are just a few examples of the many success stories that inspire us to hope for the future of foster youth in our program.
With unwavering dedication and a shared commitment to excellence, we’re forging a path forward that empowers foster youth to unlock their full potential and rewrite their future narrative. We invite you to join us in this journey, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
References:
Borrud, H. (2019, March 26). The Oregonian. From Oregon Live:
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2019/03/oregon-graduation-rate-for-foster-children-just-35-percen t.html
Oregon Department of Education. (n.d.). From
https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/fosteringconnections/pages/default.aspx x
