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Cover page of an NCHE brief titled "Maximizing Credit Accrual and High School Completion for Students Experiencing Homelessness," featuring the NCHE logo, a photo of a graduating student, an overview of the brief's contents, and the McKinney-Vento Act's definition of homelessness.

Maximining Credit Accrual and High School Completion for Students Experiencing Homelessness

This NCHE brief explains the key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act for supporting students experiencing homelessness in achieving high school completion. This brief also addresses key Title I, Part A provisions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act related to dropout prevention and credit accrual for students experiencing homelessness. Finally, the brief provides practical guidance and promising practices for state and local education agencies, including awarding partial credit, using alternative learning formats, and using data to identify students at risk of not completing high school.

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Date Published: May 2026

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