Edwin Gutierrez
On a daily basis, we see or hear about kids struggling to maintain their grades or those who don't want to go to school because they're "too cool for school." But what about those who would like to go to school, but cant because they're homeless or go from family to family, hotel to hotel? Those kids are living in the circumstances aren't recognized as homeless by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In the article, "Record number of homeless children enrolled in US public schools" is just exactly what they talk about. They know that there are kids out there whom wish to pursue a better education and life, but due to their circumstances, they can't.
“We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible" (President Obama election debate: education). So why aren't we doing anything to help?
Released on Monday and according to the Department of Education, "nearly 1.3 million homeless children and teens were enrolled in schools in the 2012-13 school year, an 8 percent increase from the previous school year." Despite the slight increase, many kids are still out living in different homes and even though that they do, HUD doesn't see them as homeless and wont do little to nothing to help with their education because they have access to public schools.
With having access to public schools, kids still struggle to do well in school because "kids in our schools and communities are spending restless nights in bed-bug-infested motels and falling more behind in school by the day because they’re too tired and hungry to concentrate." If where here to help, why not help? Myself and many others are fortunate enough to live and go to school in peace, but we take it for granted. The ones that can go to school without much struggle should help realize how lucky they are to receive financial aid or help from anyone.
Paulson, Amanda. "Record Number of Homeless Children Enrolled in US Public Schools (+video)." The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Sept. 2014. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.
http://www.lightafire.com/quotations/authors/barack-obama/
It is very sad that there are still homeless kids in this country, which is supposed to be the greatest country. I believe we need to do more to make kids our number 1 priority and get them the very best education possible because they will be running this country for the next generation. I didn't realize that the statistic was that high for homeless children and I don't think it's fair to not count kids moving house to house as not homeless. Every kid deserves a stable living environment and access to the best education possible. You did a good job getting your point of view across.
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