This report reviews and analyzes programs to educate homeless children and youth. A look at the national perspective describes the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, its passage and content. The paper argues that the Department of Education, charged with implementing the Act, failed to do so. Delays, inadequate monitoring, and failure to provide any guidance to the states severely undermined the program. Amendments to the Act that are designed to address these problems are described, and they included tightened monitoring requirements, mandated provision of technical assistance, and express permission for the use of funds for educational services. The report notes the Department of Education's continued non-compliance, and Bush Administration efforts to eliminate the program. A further section of the report describes efforts in the District of Columbia to work with government officials to translate local homeless children's needs into services, particularly transportation service. Five appendixes contain sections of the federal legislation amendments, new provisions for the state plan required by the amendments, a list of community groups involved in the D.C. transportation plan, personal statements from homeless persons, and statements of those benefiting from the transportation plan. (JB)