3. Know the Military Connected Children’s Bill of Rights – The Compact.
Military families have rights and responsibilities regarding children’s education. It’s up to you as the parent to understand these rights and responsibilities. (Here’s more on military families rights!)
Don’t leave your child’s right to a good education in the hands of strangers. Every state has signed the Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MIC3) which allows for common sense decisions when dealing with school transition for military-connected children.
Parents need to be more informed than the schools. The Compact replaces the widely varying policies affection transition military students and allows for flexibility and consistency on the part of the receiving schools. The issues addressed by the Compact include Enrollment, Eligibility and Graduation. These issues affect every single school aged military connected child. Know your child’s right before you move. To see a full list of what the Compact covers visit www.MIC3.net for more information.
Have specific questions? Every base or post has a person designated to help parents navigate the local school systems. It is the job of the School Liaison Officer’s job is to help parents navigate the local school system. Contact them as soon as you arrive your new location to help you get a better understanding of local schools, services and programs. There are also MIC3 commissioners available to parents in every state. Check out their website for more information.
If you feel the receiving school is not complying with the intent of the Compact, the School Liaison is your first stop. Don’t be afraid to make a little noise, the Compact is a new concept to many schools and administrators may not be aware of the specifics. The Compact is state law. Just ensure you understand what the Compact covers and does not cover before you register for school.
