No Military Child Left Behind
Understanding what help is out there
By Toni Wilcox
According to the non-profit Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), military children typically move from six to nine times before graduating from high school. The organization was formed to help families navigate the widely varied academic standards and programs they encounter. In addition to its Web site and research publications, the MCEC provides individualized advice via e-mail from Aunt Peggie.
Aunt Peggie is veteran educator, Peggie Ruth Watson. Watson grew up in a military family and retired last year as the coordinator for testing and research for Killeen Independent School District in Killeen, Texas. She is intimately familiar with the challenges military parents face.
“In The Military Parent’s Guide to No Child Left Behind, we recommend that parents study the school and district report cards to learn how well they are progressing towards the 100 percent proficiency goal,” Watson says.
Parents also need to ask the following questions:
• How are scores reported? If scores from different grades are lumped together, request test results applicable to the grades at your child’s school.
• How well has the school performed over the past three years? One year of data only shows part of the picture.
• How does this school compare to the rest of the school system and state?
“We suggest they then ask, ‘What is changing at my child’s school that will improve student achievement?’ ” Watson says.
When available, notification of the transfer option is scheduled before the school year begins. Watson says you will also need to ask about options for school choice and supplemental services if you move after or just before the school year starts.
It is important to know, however, that with No Child Left Behind, schools qualify for services, not individual children. The military student who was receiving special tutoring at a low-performing school may no longer receive those services at a new, higher-scoring school. If you arrive in a school district after the date transfer paperwork was due, they are under no obligation to allow a transfer, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
In the Secondary Education Transition Study, the MCEC recommends students chart a course that may go well above and beyond the minimums required in their current school system.
Of particular concern to high school students are state “exit exams.” Because each state has its own curriculum and testing criteria for graduation, military students may find they’ve enrolled after the assessment date. It is important that they find out what tests will be required and when they can be taken as soon as possible.
For more information
For complete information on the goals, requirements and funding for No Child Left Behind, visit www.ed.gov/nclb.
Learn more about the Military Child Education Coalition and request copies of The Military Parent’s Guide to No Child Left Behind by visiting www.militarychild.org.