The life of a military family comes with a powerful sense of patriotism and pride, but also definite, daily challenges. Personnel are typically transferred every two to three years, which means their children may attend as many as nine schools during their lives.
Add to that the stress these students suffer when parents are deployed overseas, are sent into combat or return home wounded.
Military-connected students—compared to civilian classmates—have moderately elevated rates of just about all risk factors, including suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and bullying, according to a University of Southern California survey of middle and high schools in that state.
ESSA now requires schools to identify students whose parents are active members of the military. Meanwhile, school districts that cover military bases have developed supports that include helping students transition to new schools, quick assessment tests, tutoring and school counselors trained in specific types of social-emotional support.
To read more of Lois Elfman's article, please click here.
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