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4 Resources That Can Help Improve Transitions For Military-Connected Students
Military-connected kids typically attend multiple schools, in many different districts and locations. Those changes can be tough, which is why we want to share as much knowledge as possible about ensuring a solid transition to another base and school district.
Here are four resources that can help improve the educational outcomes of military-connected students:
- Learn more about the Military Student Identifier (MSI). The Lexington Institute (and completed with support from us here at the Collaborative) took an in-depth look at how a variety of public schools are already identifying and supporting their military-connected students and using the information to ensure these students are getting the high-quality education they deserve. This report is valuable to local education officials and administrators. By looking at the best practices and examples from across the country highlighted in the report, other states, districts, and schools can start to incorporate these ideas and best practices to their own schools to better help their own students.
- Download the Military Family’s Guide to School Transition. Moving to a new post can spark anxiety in military families over the quality of the schools in and around a military installation. But families with children in preschool through high school can take certain actions to mitigate these concerns and help their children transition effectively to a new school. This guide has been compiled by military spouses with decades of experience in an effort to help simplify that process.
- Get familiar with the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation. While the compact “levels the playing field” for students, it’s not intended to impact curriculum or local standards of education. To resolve compact-related concerns, families should first work with the school and military school liaison officer — or contact their state commissioner if additional assistance is needed.
- Get to know your School Liaison Officer. School liaisons at the military installation serve as a clearinghouse for information about the schools on and near bases, and the services and programs offered in them. Meeting with them should be the first step for all transitioning parents, as they are the subject matter experts on education. It is their job to assist you in best understanding your new installation and the educational offerings it provides and supports — both inside and outside of the gates.
About the Collaborative for Student Success
At our core, we believe leaders at all levels have a role to play in ensuring success for K-12 students. From ensuring schools and teachers are equipped with the best materials to spotlighting the innovative and bold ways federal recovery dollars are being used to drive needed changes, the Collaborative for Student Success aims to inform and amplify policies making a difference for students and families.
To recover from the most disruptive event in the history of American public schools, states and districts are leveraging unprecedented resources to make sure classrooms are safe for learning, providing students and teachers with the high-quality instructional materials they deserve, and are rethinking how best to measure learning so supports are targeted where they’re needed most.