Education Outcomes of WA Students in Foster Care

Washington state statute (RCW 28A.300.525) requires the Education Research & Data Center (ERDC) to report on the educational outcomes of children under the placement, care, and authority of a child welfare agency and what school districts are having success or challenges in helping this student group. These students are also referred to as children in out-of-home care, but this report will use the language “students in foster care” as this is the most commonly used and recognized terminology.

This study answered the following research questions:
• What are the educational experiences and progress of Washington students who are in foster care?
• What are the characteristics of school districts where students in foster care attend in relation to student outcomes?

Notes: 

This report does not include students in Tribal Child Welfare or Federal Foster Care.  "Out-of-home care" means placement in a foster family home or group care facility licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW or placement in a home, other than that of the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, not required to be licensed pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW (RCW 13.34.030).