New Online Resource for DOD Schools & Families
DoDEA’s Educational Partnership proudly presents "Students at the Center" a resource for everyone involved in the education of the children of our military service members.
Families, Military Leaders and Education Leaders can all find information to help address the unique needs of students who have parents serving in our nation’s military forces. The online version of Students at the Center is available here: Students at the Center.
This resource will also be available in print and on CD through MilitaryOneSource at www.militaryonesource.com in May.
Interstate Compact Supports Military Children
As military families move to accept new assignments, children often face many challenges related to education. The Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military Children is working to remove barriers to educational success for children of military members. The Compact was developed by the Council of State Governments, education and military family experts, and the Department of Defense. States that sign on to the compact agree to work collectively with other compact states to create uniform standards of practice regarding the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations and other transition issues.
It is estimated that the average military family moves three times more often than the average non-military family. These frequent moves by can cause children to miss out on extracurricular activities and to face challenges in meeting graduation requirements. The Compact will ensure that the children of military families are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children and are not penalized or delayed in achieving their educational goals by inflexible administrative and bureaucratic practices. States participating in the Compact would work to coordinate graduation requirements, transfer of records and course placement and other administrative policies. As of October 1st 2009 – 26 states have adopted the compact.
For a state-by-state status update and to learn more about the compact visit the Council of State Governments site.
School Liaison Program
The vision of the School Liaison Program is to coordinate and assist school aged children of military parents with educational opportunities and information necessary to succeed in an academic environment. School liaison officers also network, educate and work in partnership with local schools to provide caring adults to enhance the education experience.
The mission of the School Liaison is to provide military commanders with the support necessary to coordinate and advise military parents of school-aged children on educational issues and needs and to assist in solving education-related problems.
The goals of the program are to identify barriers to academic success and develop solutions; promote parental involvement in their children's education; develop and coordinate partnerships in education; provide parents with the tools they need to overcome obstacles to education that stem from the military lifestyle; and to promote and educate local communities and schools regarding the needs of military children.
Each Air Force base has a point-of-contact (POC) for local military child education matters. This POC advocates for the educational needs of military children, assists Airmen and families with information and referrals regarding local school districts and other education options including home schooling, private schools, charter schools, and cyber schools, and ensures a communication link with inbound or outbound family members for educational issues. Please call or visit the Airman and Family Readiness Center on any Air Force Installation for more information.