We honor the unique contributions and sacrifices of military-connected families and are deeply committed to supporting their educational continuity, emotional wellness, and sense of belonging.We view the challenges faced by military families—not as deficits to be accommodated, but as lived experiences that enrich our school community. Stability, relationships, and flexibility are essential for learning, especially during frequent transitions.
Military-connected students often face:
- Frequent school changes across states or countries
- Interruptions in curriculum and credit transfer
- Loss of peer or teacher relationships
- Parental deployment and related stress
- Uncertainty during reintegration or relocation periods
Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Restorative Practices practices are structured to recognize and respond to these transitions, ensuring that students are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control, and that every military family feels seen, supported, and welcomed.
Definition of Military-Connected Students
These students are protected under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which is adopted by all 50 states and aims to remove barriers to educational success due to military lifestyle. Students are considered military-connected if they are:
- Children of active-duty service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard (including activated reservists)
- Children of veterans who are medically retired or deceased due to military service
- Children of members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
Enrollment and Record Transfer – CLSD will:
- Immediately enroll military-connected students, even if records are delayed due to relocation
- Accept unofficial records (e.g., hand-carried transcripts or IEPs) for temporary placement decisions
- Expedite official records requests to prior schools
- Honor placement in courses, programs, or special services (e.g., GATE, IEP, ELD) based on previous participation
- Ensure grade level continuity and avoid redundant coursework
Course and Graduation Planning
We work closely with military-connected families to ensure seamless credit transfer, graduation planning, and academic placement. This includes:
- Recognizing coursework from previous schools, including Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and out-of-state institutions
- Supporting advanced coursework, CTE, and graduation requirements across jurisdictions
- Adjusting graduation requirements when relocation disrupts access to state-mandated content (e.g., state-specific civics or assessment requirements)
- Assigning a graduation plan case manager for high school students
Support Services for Military-Connected Families
To foster stability and connection, we provide:
- Individualized orientation support during enrollment
- A designated Military Family Liaison (our MTSS Team)
- Access to mental health and social-emotional services during deployment, reintegration, or grief
- Invitations to participate in House Circles, school events, leadership opportunities, and peer support groups
- Flexibility with attendance policies during relocation, medical appointments, or family reunification
- Outreach to local and regional military family support organizations
Family-Centered Practices
We partner with parents and caregivers by:
- Offering flexible meeting times and virtual access when needed
- Providing interpretation and translation for all services
- Hosting informational webinars specifically for military families
- Including military-connected parents in school feedback and decision-making processes
Federal Law:
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (codified in ESSA)
- 20 U.S.C. § 9212 – Impact Aid and military student data tracking
- DoD Memorandum of Understanding with States on educational support
Oregon
- ORS 339.505 – Incorporates Interstate Compact provisions into Oregon law
- Oregon Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
- Oregon Department of Education Military Support: ODE Military Families