When families struggle to access essentials like food, clothing and housing, it can hinder students’ learning and well-being. Kinder Institute research has helped identify key challenges and barriers families and students face and where support is most needed.
- In 2019, the Kinder Institute helped Houston ISD analyze its student needs assessment, finding that additional support is needed in four main areas: health care, mental health, housing and food security, and school supplies.
- In 2021, a follow-up survey found that mental health services, food and housing remained the most urgent noninstructional needs.
- Location data from the 2021 survey mapped where student need was most concentrated, which helped Houston ISD determine where to launch its Sunrise Centers. The Kinder Institute also provided recommendations for program development and services for the centers.
