by Cherise Imai, executive director, Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
April marks the nation’s “Month of the Military Child,” a time to honor military youth, recognizing the impact an armed forces life has on the children of those who serve our country. Established by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in 1986 and sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, communities worldwide Purple Up! for military kids.
An affiliate of the Council of State Governments (CSG), the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) annually celebrates April as the Month of the Military Child and will Purple Up! For Military Kids” on April 21. Why purple? Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is a combination of Army green, Marine red, and the blue of the Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy.
“By wearing purple, we recognize our youngest heroes for their strength, character and resilience,” said John “Don” Kaminar, MIC3 Chair and Arkansas Commissioner.
Over the past decade, the U.S. Department of Defense (USDoD) has focused on quality of life programs for service members and their families to enhance well-being and improve readiness and retention of today’s military force. Military life includes continual challenges for members and their families. Relocations once every two to three years is part of their lifestyle, though transitions are never easy.
There are currently 1.2 million military children of active duty members worldwide and nearly 80% of military children attend public schools throughout the United States. On average, they attend six to nine schools throughout their K-12 education career.
“We moved six times in the past 15 years,” said Jamie Woodards, a Navy spouse and mom of two, “and while it has been fun and full of new adventures, the real-life challenge is deciding on where we will live and what schools the kids will attend.” Her husband, CDR Robert Woodards, recently finished his tour as the Commanding Officer of VP-1 Screaming Eagles located on Naval Air Station Whidbey in Washington State.
In 2006, to help overcome challenges, the USDoD collaborated with the CSG to develop the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children with stakeholders from federal, state and local government and national stakeholder organizations. Made available for legislative consideration in 2008, the compact statute was adopted in six years and by 2014, was recognized as one of four interstate compacts in 50 years to include all 50 states.
The goal of the compact is to replace widely varying treatment of transitioning military students with a comprehensive approach that provides a uniform policy for public and Department of Defense schools both stateside and abroad. Since academic standards and graduation requirements vary by state and school district, military kids may find it challenging to stay on grade level, obtain the classes they need to graduate or field they are interested in. So how effective is the compact?
“The compact really works,” Jamie said.
The compact ensured their son could continue in the Gifted and Talented program.
“I notified the school that under the compact, he should be placed in the program and could be tested according to local requirements,” recalled Jamie. “Fortunately, he passed the test and remained in the program until we left the district.”
The biggest challenge is continually educating stakeholders – communities, schools and parents – about the compact and stressors on the family. As the Anacortes and Cap Sante High School Assessment and Special Projects Coordinator, Jamie identified the need and organized compact training sessions for district staff. “Awareness of the challenges and needs of military kids is important to help ease transitions,” said Jamie, “district leadership was supportive of this effort in building a community of support.”
As a parent, she knows first-hand about the anxiety and stressors of moving, and she and her husband are aware how their actions may impact their kids. Researching the new locale and talking about it as a family is recommended. “Adjusting to a new place can be overwhelming for all of us,” she explained, “but we treat the move as an adventure and focus on making it a positive experience.”
For parents that are moving, she advised keeping education records on each child and stressed compact awareness in advocating for their children. “I can provide information that may not be included in the transfer of records from the sending school,” she said.
Jamie noted if parents are in a district that is not highly military, they may be informing the school of the compact. “Our kids didn’t choose this lifestyle or when to move,” she emphasized, “so as parents, we need to know the resources available to make sure they can continue in the next school, grade level, or program.”
What can schools do to help? Jamie mentioned patience and understanding by staff is appreciated by military families. “While military children are resilient, when schools understand their unique challenges and are welcoming, it alleviates the anxiety – especially as it could be the family’s first move,” she said.
During April’s Purple Up!, states issue proclamations, communities and districts organize events, celebrations and activities to celebrate military children. “They serve along with their parents,” said Chair Kaminar, “and MIC3 is honored to serve and support them.”