thedrifter
04-14-08, 07:56 PM
States aim to ease transfers for military kids
By John Milburn - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Apr 14, 2008 17:06:38 EDT
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas and Kentucky are the first states to approve a compact that will make it easier for children of military families to change schools if enough other states sign on.
The compact seeks to provide flexibility for the 1.5 million children of military families in the U.S. They attend an estimated six to nine school systems between kindergarten and graduation on average, and differing educational requirements in different states often add to their burden.
“Changing schools and making new friends can be hard on children whose parents are in the military,” said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, whose signature Wednesday made Kansas the first state to approve the compact. “This bill will help ease the transition between schools by seamlessly transferring records.”
The compact, which would become operational with adoption by 10 states, is intended to prevent children of military families from needlessly repeating courses or being denied access to extracurricular activities. It would provide alternative coursework options for districts that do not waive graduation requirements for students. Compact members would work to create uniform standards of practice, including the transfer of records, course placement and graduation requirements.
“If you have ever known, or been a part of, a military family, you know the barriers to educational success for children due to frequent moves and deployments,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, who signed a bill Thursday. “With Fort Campbell and Fort Knox at our back door this is especially problematic here in the commonwealth.”
Kansas and Kentucky have nearly 50,000 school-aged children whose parents are active-duty military members. Most of those in Kansas live near Fort Riley, which is home to the 1st Infantry Division.
Bills to create the compact have been introduced in 20 states, including Kansas and Kentucky, according to the Council on State Governments, which developed the proposal.
Defense officials say the education of service members’ children is a quality-of-life issue that affects recruitment, retention and readiness.
“Easing this burden is the right thing to do,” said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact. We look forward to more states signing on.”
Ellie
By John Milburn - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Apr 14, 2008 17:06:38 EDT
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas and Kentucky are the first states to approve a compact that will make it easier for children of military families to change schools if enough other states sign on.
The compact seeks to provide flexibility for the 1.5 million children of military families in the U.S. They attend an estimated six to nine school systems between kindergarten and graduation on average, and differing educational requirements in different states often add to their burden.
“Changing schools and making new friends can be hard on children whose parents are in the military,” said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, whose signature Wednesday made Kansas the first state to approve the compact. “This bill will help ease the transition between schools by seamlessly transferring records.”
The compact, which would become operational with adoption by 10 states, is intended to prevent children of military families from needlessly repeating courses or being denied access to extracurricular activities. It would provide alternative coursework options for districts that do not waive graduation requirements for students. Compact members would work to create uniform standards of practice, including the transfer of records, course placement and graduation requirements.
“If you have ever known, or been a part of, a military family, you know the barriers to educational success for children due to frequent moves and deployments,” said Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, who signed a bill Thursday. “With Fort Campbell and Fort Knox at our back door this is especially problematic here in the commonwealth.”
Kansas and Kentucky have nearly 50,000 school-aged children whose parents are active-duty military members. Most of those in Kansas live near Fort Riley, which is home to the 1st Infantry Division.
Bills to create the compact have been introduced in 20 states, including Kansas and Kentucky, according to the Council on State Governments, which developed the proposal.
Defense officials say the education of service members’ children is a quality-of-life issue that affects recruitment, retention and readiness.
“Easing this burden is the right thing to do,” said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “We appreciate all the support and effort to implement the compact. We look forward to more states signing on.”
Ellie