This document proposes developing a digital tool to assess challenges facing students at Title 1 schools and connect them to resources. It notes that many students experience issues like homelessness, lack of access to food/clothing, trauma, and lack of medical care - all barriers to academic success. Currently there is no standardized way to quickly evaluate student needs or provide referrals. The proposed solution is a digital application to survey families during school intake about challenges and immediately link them to relevant services. It would be used by school staff and piloted at two Title 1 elementary schools, with input from stakeholders to design an effective prototype survey. The goal is to help all students access necessary supports to learn and grow.

1. Crisis Intervention Through
Schools
Background It is well documented that a significant
percentage of children that present to urban
Title 1 California schools, and other local
Elementary Schools have face difficult social
challenges. Many experience some type of
homelessness, difficulty securing basics like
food and clothing, difficulty accessing
medical care, have suffered trauma or have
challenges arranging transportation to school
and accessing school supplies school
supplies, all known barriers to a child’s ability
to achieve academic success. However, there
is no standardized comprehensive tool at this
time to quickly assess which children and/or
their families suffer these challenges and no
institutionalized digital tool to offer
immediate referrals and resources to either
students or their parents. This is unfortunate
as there is good evidence to suggest that
rapid interventions can improve the chance of
a child succeeding. This is also an important
time to have this conversation given recent
concern that school districts such as San Francisco School District United might be negligent
in assessing the housing status of their students. It is also important given the number of
immigrant children presenting to California school systems having fled poverty, violence, food
insecurity and school disruption. Many of these children are from Central America and many
may have experienced detention and family disruption and will require services if they are to
succeed.

2. Maximizing The Interview
The Problem
It is well documented that a significant percentage of children that present to urban Title 1
schools in California, face many challenges. Families experience some type of homelessness,
difficulty securing basics like food and clothing, accessing medical care, or have suffered
trauma, all known barriers to a child’s ability to achieve academic success. However, there is
no standardized comprehensive tool at this time to quickly assess which children and/or their
families suffer these challenges and no institutionalized digital tool to offer immediate
referrals and resources to either students or their parents.
The Solution
InnovationsCZ designs surveys to serve problematic and marginalized hard-­‐to-­‐reach
populations like those found at urban Title 1 schools. We will develop a comprehensive digital
application that: Surveys families to their challenges at the time of an initial school intake
interview, and Immediately connects children and families to necessary referral services. This
digital application will be used by teachers, administration, parent student coordinators and
other school personnel who may be performing the initial interview.
Methodology
We will design and pilot a digital application at two Title 1 elementary school sites. Using a
human centered design process, we will work with key stakeholders – teachers, school
support staff, governmental and non-­‐governmental support agencies, and families – to
develop a prototype survey. The survey will be piloted at school sites to connect families and
children in need to much needed resources.“Because all students should have access to
resources and supports they need to learn and grow.”
Learn how to get involved here.