The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on March 11, 2025, highlighted the urgent issue of student homelessness, a topic that remains significantly under-researched and often overlooked in educational discussions. Carrie Tobin, a prominent researcher in this field, presented alarming statistics indicating that approximately 1.4 million children across the United States are enrolled in K-12 schools and identify as needing services for homelessness. This figure reflects a broader definition of homelessness that includes students living in motels or temporary housing, contrasting with the narrower definitions used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Tobin emphasized that homelessness is not solely an urban issue; it affects rural areas as well, linking it closely to poverty. In Louisiana, thousands of students face these challenges, which contribute to lower GPAs, test scores, and graduation rates compared to their housed peers. Despite federal laws established since 1987 aimed at supporting these students, many educators remain unaware of the specific needs and legal requirements associated with teaching this vulnerable population.

To address this gap, Tobin has integrated information about homelessness into various courses at Louisiana State University (LSU), including graduate-level classes on poverty and trauma-informed education. Her efforts aim to raise awareness among future educators about the impact of housing instability on students' learning and development. Additionally, she has developed a service-learning course that collaborates with education students to support young families experiencing homelessness.

Tobin's commitment to this cause is further demonstrated through her publications, including the only existing book on best practices for teaching homeless students, titled "Homelessness in the Classroom." Her recent work in the Kappan magazine discusses strategies for educating youth without stable housing, underscoring the critical role of attendance in academic success for these students.

As the meeting concluded, the importance of equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to support homeless students was clear. The discussions underscored the need for ongoing training and resources to ensure that all students, regardless of their housing situation, have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.