Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Military families encounter significant school challenges due to frequent relocations in the course of their service. In this regard, most military children will matriculate through approximately eight different school systems from kindergarten to 12th grade. Working through the Council of State Governments, DoD developed the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to address issues associated with class placement, records transfer, immunization requirements, course placement, graduation requirements, exit testing and extra curricular opportunities.

The Compact reflects input from policy experts and stakeholders from 18 different organizations, including representatives of parents, teachers, school administrators, military families, and federal, state, and local officials. The Compact establishes guidelines which will allow for the uniform treatment, at the state and local district level, of military children transferring between school districts and states.

Currently, 35 states are members of the Compact. Covering approximately 84% of military school age children in the United States. The Department of Defense Education Activity, to the extent permitted by law, must be committed to ensure that our school policies and procedures mirror those in the Compact guidelines, and related rules.

To ensure DoD remains in concert, and to assist in making the Compact an effective vehicle for all military children, DoDEA has been designated to represent the Department as an ex-officio member to the Interstate Commission in accordance with Article IX (C) and (E) of the Compact.

School Principals and Counselors should become familiar with the provisions of the Compact assuring smooth transitions and supports for our students. DoDEA's Educational Partnership branch will provide technical assistance in the implementation of the Compact rules adopted by the Interstate Commission.