The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990 authorizes the U.S. Department of Education to review state plans submitted under the Act to evaluate whether they adequately address the problems of homeless children and youth relating to access to education and placement. Policy Studies Associates conducted a study of the McKinney program for the Department of Education, surveying state coordinators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and conducting site visits to 6 state educational agencies and 8 school districts, along with analysis of state plans submitted to the department. It was found that almost all states have revised their laws, regulations, and policies to improve access to education for homeless students, but they still struggle to provide access and to meet health and safety requirements. States and school districts have few resources to meet transportation needs of these students, and housing authorities often do not, or are not able to, consider the educational needs of homeless students. Policy implications of survey findings are explored. (Contains 4 figures, 9 tables, and 11 references.) (SLD)