Are Military Special Education Students Being Left Behind?
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The average military child changes schools three times more than their civilian counterparts, causing disruption to their education and emotional health. These challenges are exponentially more difficult for military families with children with special needs, who must navigate the ever-changing military lifestyle and a parent-enforced special education system. Since the nonprofit Partners in PROMISE began surveying military special education families in 2020, they have confirmed that military special education families are in crisis. And although there are federal and state laws protecting special education students, military families report that many schools are violating these laws.
- These challenges are exponentially more difficult for military families with children with special needs, who must navigate the ever-changing military lifestyle and a parent-enforced special education system.
- Since the nonprofit Partners in PROMISE began surveying military special education families in 2020, they have confirmed that military special education families are in crisis.
- President Biden requested $20 million to help ease transitions for military special education students in his 2024 Budget and the Department of Education putting out guidance to improve military special education experiences after receiving PIP's data.
- Over 78% of survey respondents cited that their family (civilian spouse, military servicemember and special education student) experienced stress as a result of navigating the special education system.