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Understanding military terminology can help educators, families, and community members better support military-connected students. Below is a list of commonly used military terms and acronyms, along with their definitions, to provide clarity and context.

Navigating education and support services can be complex for military-connected families. This section provides key contacts and resources to help families, educators, and school staff access the support they need, from counseling and school enrollment to academic standards and special education services. Whether you're seeking guidance during a transition or looking for long-term support, these tools are here to help.

📞 Key Contacts for Military Family Support

•  | Provide free, confidential, non-medical counseling to children and family members of active duty, National Guard, Reserve, DoD civilians, and school staff. Available on military installations and some public school campuses. Contact your School Liaison Officer or school campus to check availability.
• Military Liaison Counselors | Located in select Texas school districts, these counselors support military families by partnering with installations, schools, and community agencies to assist with transitions and outreach.
•  | Based on military installations, School Liaisons assist families from all service branches with school transitions, system navigation, and educational resources. They also collaborate with school and community leaders to support military-connected students.

🏫 �������� (��������) Resources

• AskTED | AskTED is an online directory of Texas schools, including charters. The directory primary is primarily used by people seeking contact information for schools, districts, and education service centers.
• ESC Military Champion Student Support Framework: NEW resource to support stakeholders in understanding how ESC Military Champions can support their school systems. (Released January 2026)
• Free Prekindergarten Eligibility | Children of active duty, activated/mobilized Guard or Reserve members, or those MIA may qualify for free Pre-K in Texas. More information: Early Childhood Education FAQs | ��������, 
• Student Assessment Division | The �������� Student Assessment Division oversees all state-required standardized student testing, including the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) program.
• �������� Performance Reporting | Descriptive reports are available on every school district, campus, and charter school in Texas. The reports includes data on .
• Texas Graduation Requirements |Outlines the pathways and requirements for earning a Texas high school diploma.
• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) | Curriculum standards detailing what students should know and be able to do by grade and subject.

🧩 Special Education Resources

•  (EFMP) | Available on military installations, EFMP supports families with special needs by helping them navigate ARD, IEP, and 504 processes.
•  | NMFA provides additional information and resources on the Exceptional Family Member Program for military families with special needs family members.
• �������� Special Education Department | Offers guidance and support for special education services in Texas.
•  | A ��������-supported information center for parents, educators, and advocates of students with disabilities.

🌐 Information Hubs & External Resources

• | DoD-funded program offering free support and information on military life.
• | Provides outreach and academic support for military-connected students.
• | A national network of superintendents from districts with large military populations.
•  | Centralized access to veteran benefits, education, employment, and health services.
•  (NMFA)| A nonprofit organization that offers scholarships, camps, and retreats for military families.
•  | Military rank insignia represent levels of leadership and responsibility within the armed forces, distinct from paygrades, which are used to standardize compensation across enlisted, warrant officer, and commissioned officer roles.

The �������� (��������), in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), is proud to present this video series designed to support military-connected students, families, and educators across Texas. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to fostering welcoming, responsive, and well-informed educational environments that recognize the unique experiences of military families. Through these videos, �������� and MCEC aim to empower educators and families with practical insights, resources, and strategies that promote academic success, emotional well-being, and strong school-community connections for every military-connected child.

The series is organized into four key topics, with each topic featuring two videos: one tailored for educators and the other for families, ensuring relevant and practical guidance for both audiences. (Videos released 10/10/2025)

Military Culture and Lifestyles

This video series offers a dual perspective on the lived experiences of military-connected families and the role educators play in supporting them. From the family viewpoint, the video highlights how frequent relocations and deployments shape traditions, values, and daily routines, revealing the resilience and adaptability that define military life. The educator-focused video complements this by emphasizing the importance of understanding these cultural dynamics, including mobility and service-related stress, to create welcoming and responsive learning environments. Together, these videos foster deeper empathy and awareness, encouraging stronger connections between schools and military families.

👉 Watch now: Military Culture and Lifestyle - and

Military Families Relocating to Texas

This video series offers practical guidance and emotional support for military-connected families and educators navigating school transitions. Families share personal experiences of relocating to Texas, offering tips on preparing children for change, accessing school resources, and building new community connections. Educators gain strategies to welcome new students, maintain academic continuity, and foster trust with families facing frequent moves. Together, these perspectives highlight the importance of collaboration and understanding in creating smooth, supportive transitions for military-connected students.

👉 Watch now: Military Families Relocating to Texas - and

Military Connected Students with Exceptional and Special Needs

This video series highlights the experiences and needs of exceptional children within military families, offering insights for both families and educators. Families share personal stories of advocacy and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of accessing support systems like the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and navigating educational and healthcare services. Educators learn best practices and strategies to support students with special needs, collaborate effectively with families, and leverage military-specific resources to ensure comparable access to learning and development. Together, these perspectives promote a shared commitment to meeting the unique needs of exceptional learners in military communities.

👉 Watch now: Military Connected Students with Exceptional and Special Needs - and

Supporting Military Families

This video series highlights the vital role of schools and communities in supporting military-connected families. Families share how emotional wellness, parent engagement, and access to resources contribute to stability and student success. Educators are guided in building strong, culturally sensitive relationships with families through effective communication and collaboration. Together, these perspectives emphasize the power of partnership in creating nurturing environments where students and caregivers feel valued and supported.

👉 Watch now: Supporting Military Families - and

This section provides targeted programs and support services for dependents of National Guard members, Texas Military Forces, and veterans. From youth development and educational opportunities to family support and veteran resources, these offerings are designed to meet the unique needs of military-connected individuals across Texas.

🛡️ National Guard & Reserve Resources

•  | The second-largest DoD-funded STEM program in the U.S., STARBASE focuses on enhancing science, technology, engineering, and math skills for at-risk students in grades 5–8. Texas locations: Camp Mabry (Austin), Goodfellow AFB, Ellington Field (Houston), and Lackland AFB.
•  | Offers leadership training, college prep, youth symposiums, camps, family events, and service opportunities for youth connected to Texas Military Forces.
•  | A 17.5-month National Guard educational program for at-risk youth ages 16–18. Students gain life skills, discipline, and academic credits toward a diploma or GED.
•  | Comprises the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard.
•  | Provides a continuum of care for service members and their families during deployment and sustainment operations.

🎖️ Veteran Family Resources

•  | Offers videos and tools to help children understand and cope with a parent's transition from military to civilian life.
• ��������'s November is National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month Toolkit (Released September 23, 2025)! Download your copy to help promote and bring awareness!
•  | Oversees programs related to claims, education, employment, grants, and healthcare advocacy for veterans.
•  | Centralized access to information on veteran benefits, education, employment, and health services.
•  | A trusted source for information and resources tailored to Texas veterans and their families.

Military-connected students benefit from more than just academic support; they thrive when given opportunities to grow socially, emotionally, and creatively. This section highlights programs and activities that foster leadership, resilience, connection, and personal development outside the classroom. These resources are designed to help military youth build community, express themselves, and navigate the unique challenges of military life.

🌱 Youth Development & Enrichment Programs

•  | A nationwide initiative that provides military-connected youth with consistent, positive youth development experiences. Through hands-on learning, leadership training, and community engagement, 4-H helps young people thrive despite the challenges of military life.

Educators and school leaders play a vital role in supporting military-connected students. This section offers professional development opportunities, data tools, and additional resources to help educators better understand the unique needs of these students and implement effective support strategies. From training programs to data reporting guidance, these tools are designed to build capacity and promote equity in education for military families.

🎓 Professional Learning Opportunities

•  | MCEC® offers training for educators and professionals on topics such as school transitions, deployment, and social-emotional support for military and veteran-connected students.
•  | The Compact 101 Training provides participants with a brief history of how the Compact began followed by an overview of the legal requirements applicable to public and DoDEA schools educating military-connected children.
•  | School Liaisons can provide customized training and support to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) near military installations. �������� encourages collaboration with School Liaisons to enhance services for military-connected students.
• | A self-paced course designed to introduce educators to the PSCD framework and best practices.
• | Free, self-paced professional development series helps school personnel better understand and support military-connected students. Each brief (10–15 minute) module includes practical strategies, downloadable tools, and a certificate of completion.

📊 PEIMS & Military Student Identifier (MSI) Resources

• **DATA Report** Military-Connected Student Identifier (MSI) Infographics Resource 2025 | This one-pager provides guidance for schools on collecting military-connected student information (MSI) for PEIMS. and includes updated data regarding the number of military-connected students in Texas (2024-25 PEIMS data).
• **DATA Report** Statewide (Texas) Military Student Identifier Data Report (2025) | This one-pager reflects PEIMS Fall Snapshot Data (C197) as an opportunity for state and regional partners to gain an understanding of statewide and regional data trends regarding Military-Connected Student and Purple Star Campus Designation.
•  FAQs | Explains the ESSA requirement for identifying students with active-duty military parents and how this data supports educational outcomes.
•  | The Texas Student Data System (TSDS) PEIMS Data Standards (TWEDS) provides a breakdown of the military-connected student indicator codes and their descriptions.
•  | Access MSI totals by region, district, or campus.
• (Podcast January 2024) | A brief discussion on why MSI data is collected, how it’s used, and how it helps direct resources to military-connected students.

🌐 Websites & Additional Resources

•  - Month of the Military Child | April is designated as the Month of the Military Child. Purple Up Day (typically April 15) honors the strength and resilience of military-connected children.
•  | Since 2009, DoDEA has awarded over $400 million in grants to support academic achievement and professional development in military-impacted districts. Texas received $2.35 million in FY 2017.
•  | Free, 24/7 online tutoring and homework help for eligible military families, covering subjects like math, science, writing, and test prep.

While the �������� (��������) does not oversee post-secondary education, there are numerous programs and benefits available to support military-connected students, service members, and their families in pursuing higher education. The resources below are organized by audience to help you quickly find the information and support you need.

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•  | Scholarships and educational counseling for children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
•  | VA education benefits for eligible dependents of veterans.
•  | Scholarships for spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members.
•  | Tuition exemption for eligible dependent children of Texas veterans.
•  | Tuition assistance for surviving dependents of Texas service members.
•  | Support and educational resources for families of fallen military members.
•  | Information on transferring GI Bill benefits to dependents.

🪖 Service Members

•  | Overview of education benefits and services for Texas veterans.
•  | Tuition exemption for eligible Texas veterans.
•  | Comprehensive guide to military education benefits.
•  | Resources for continuing education and career advancement.
•  | Education benefits for active-duty service members.
•  | Benefits for members of the Reserve and National Guard.
•  | Earn while you learn through approved OJT programs.
•  | Education benefits for veterans who served after September 10, 2001.
• Texas Teacher Certification Fee Waivers | Waivers for eligible veterans pursuing teacher certification in Texas.

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•  | Personalized support for education and career planning.
•  | Tuition exemption for eligible spouses and dependents.
•  | Financial assistance for spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees.
•  | Scholarships for military spouses to advance their education.
• Texas Teacher Certification Fee Waivers | Fee waivers for spouses seeking teacher certification in Texas.

Military-connected students often face unique challenges related to frequent school moves and parental deployment. This section provides educators and parents with practical tools, guidance, and resources to help students navigate these transitions with stability, support, and success. Whether you're preparing for a move or supporting a child during deployment, these resources are designed to ease the journey and foster resilience.

🚸 Student Transition Support

For Educators

•  | A guide to understanding school transition challenges and how educators can support military-connected students.
•  | Includes a comprehensive model for student transitions, with toolkits, templates, and checklists for teachers, counselors, and administrators.
• HB 1597 FAQ | Explains how military orders can establish residency for school enrollment under Texas Education Code §25.001.

For Parents

•  | Practical advice for navigating school systems and advocating for your child.
•  | Helps families prepare for and manage frequent school moves.
•  | A creative platform by and for military teens to share experiences and connect.
•  (MCEC) | Offers webinars, videos, and downloadable guides for families and educators.  and 
•  | Breaks down the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
•  | Helps parents understand their rights and advocate for their child’s education.
•  | Find Purple Star Designated campuses in your area.
•  | A free online tool to help families manage school transitions and access resources.
•   | Information on immunization requirements for school enrollment.
•  | A helpful session for parents preparing for school changes.

🎖️ Deployment Support

For Educators

•  | Offers strategies for supporting students emotionally and academically during a parent’s deployment.
•  | From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, this guide addresses the emotional needs of students experiencing loss or trauma.

For Parents

•  | Comprehensive support for families preparing for, experiencing, or recovering from deployment.
•  | Practical advice for maintaining family stability and communication during deployment.
•  | Guidance on recognizing and responding to children’s emotional needs during a parent’s absence.