The School Administrator's Guide for Supporting Students from Military Families

Book excerpt: While it is true that children from military families live unique and interesting lives, it is also true that they face many challenges and special circumstances that civilian children and families don't experience. These can include gaps in school attendance and learning due to frequent moves, being separated from a parent who has been deployed, and a sense of isolation in the midst of a civilian community. This evidence-informed guide introduces school administrators to this population and offers tools to help them implement school-wide programs that will support military students' learning. Written in an engaging style by experts in the field, this practical guide includes: Profiles of principals who have created welcoming school environments for military children and parents. Lessons learning from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. A chapter on using data to improve school culture for military students. A chapter on education policies that can improve circumstances for military children. Research highlighting how frequent school transitions and parental deployments affect the education of military children.