< Back to Special Populations

Students who have a parent that is a member of the armed forces and serves on active duty face situations that are very different from other students. The students may move from state-to-state or out of the country due to military obligations. These frequent moves can cause children to miss out on extracurricular activities and to face challenges in meeting graduation requirements. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children ensures that the children of military families are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children and are not penalized or delayed in achieving their educational goals. States participating in the Compact work to coordinate graduation requirements, transfer of records and course placement and other administrative policies. Additionally, students may be separated from one or both parents for extended periods of time. These situations create educational barriers that are often more complex and challenging than those experienced by other students.