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supported by strong practices and policies, positive school experiences can counteract the negative effects of abuse, neglect, separation, and lack of permanency experienced by the nearly 400,000 U.S. children and youth in foster care. Education provides opportunities for improved well-being in physical, intellectual, and social domains during critical developmental periods and supports economic success in adult life. A concerted effort by child welfare agencies, education agencies, and the courts could lead to significant progress in changing the consistent and disheartening picture about educational outcomes for children in foster care the research portrays. The promising programs and interventions highlighted below represent innovative efforts to address a wide range of factors influencing the disparities in education outcomes. With cross-system collaboration, we are positioned to build on what is being learned, bring about change, and promote success for all children and youth in foster care. Fast facts from national and multi-state studies* Number of children and youth in foster care on September 30, 2012 399,546 Average number of living arrangements during first foster care stay 2.8 Number of foster children of school age 249,107 Likelihood of being absent from school 2x that of other students Percent of foster youth who change schools when first entering care 56%-75