Education Policy Implementation and Information Enhancements

Military families face distinct challenges due to frequent moves and varying educational requirements across states, directly impacting service member focus and readiness. When parents lack awareness of state policies intended to support their children, they’re left to navigate complex systems during critical transition periods. This avoidable stress undermines family stability and, ultimately, mission readiness.

From 2022-24, an evaluation was conducted by the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State University, titled “Evaluation of State Implementation of Supportive Policies to Improve Educational Experiences and Achievement for K-12 Military Children,” or SPEAK Military Children: https://militaryfamilies.psu.edu/projects/view/speak-military-children/. The evaluation identified key areas for improvement regarding implementation effectiveness and information accessibility of four DOD-sponsored initiatives: Advance Enrollment, the Military Student Identifier, the Education Compact and the Purple Star Schools Program. By making minor refinements to existing policies and strengthening implementation of these beneficial initiatives, states can create more inclusive, responsive and effective education systems that bolster educational outcomes for military-connected students.