Students who come from stable homes, where the parents have decent jobs and maintain a good relationship, often sail through school with no complications or issues.  These students traditionally score higher on standardized tests, take more upper-level classes, and are socially well-adjusted.  Is it any wonder?  They feel safe at night, which contributes to being well-rested.  They don't have to go hungry, which gives them energy and strength to perform well in school.  They aren't concerned about making rent or where their next meal is coming from so they can concern themselves with school and the academic challenges they face. However, according to a Washington Post article the number of homeless students is on the rise.  Given the current economic status of our country, more and more families are finding themselves in dire situations.  The children in the families are suffering in a myriad of ways.  Imagine trying to complete your Algebra homework in the chaos of a homeless shelter while your stomach cramps with hunger pains.  Some children would love to go to school but because of an eviction or job-loss their families were forced to relocate to a shelter that isn't in their school's district.  They would transfer but their parents don't have an address to provide the school to show proof of residency.  There are students who come to school everyday because it is the safest place, the warmest place, the cleanest place they know.  How is our educational system supporting these kids?  Are we making it possible for these kids to rise above their current station?  Sometimes I wonder.  We have to start considering where kids come from and where they hope to be going in order to educate them successfully.