As reported by the Associated Press, Education Department statistics released Monday say 1.3 million homeless children were enrolled in U.S. schools in the 2012-2013 school year – an 8 percent increase from the previous school year.

Children’s advocates say the numbers reflect why a greater emphasis is needed on expanding support for homeless families – not just those living in homeless shelters.

For more information, see the full story from the Associated Press and our previous posts on Conduit Street, Data Shows Increase in Homeless Students in Maryland.