Graduation/Testing
Education is a local and state responsibility. Many of the policies and laws governing
graduation requirements, testing programs, teacher certification, etc. are set at
the local and state levels. Therefore, any challenges facing military children and
families can be addressed through local partners working together. Concerns in one
state may not necessarily be a concern in another state; and conversely solutions
in one state may not necessarily work in another state.
The most effective way to address a concern in a local school district is through
partnerships. School districts do not lower their standards, but rather look at
doing what is right for students rather than penalizing students because their parents
received transfer orders to another military installation.
School district leaders, military leaders, and state education and legislative leaders
must work together first to understand any concerns and then to look at the best
possible solutions. Some examples of how states have addressed concerns include:
- Reciprocity for teacher certification
- Waive state history requirement specific to the state if student has passed requirement
in another state.
- Allow student to graduate or receive a diploma from previous high school.
- Waive state test for graduation if student has not spent last two years of schooling
in that state.
- Waive state test requirement if student has taken test in another state.
- Etc.
The federal government can help in access issues such as the directory information
and access of military recruiters (federal law), and issue of privatization of military
housing as it relates to income-driven programs.