The pitfalls of a moving military parent
Seasoned military parents will readily agree that all states are not created equal when it comes to public education. Education standards vary widely between states. We lived in Texas (where Common Core was scoffed at and state standards were imposed instead), which would have been fine if Texas was our final assignment or a place my kids were going to continue (and complete) their schooling. But, as a military family, we have little say regarding what state our children will be educated in. We moved to Ohio, where Common Core curriculum was being implemented in public schools, after just two years in Texas.
The difference in curricula was mind-boggling and it was difficult for this old dog to learn new tricks. The kids seemed a little lost too. However, after a few months of paying extra attention to homework and summoning a positive attitude, we were able to tackle the change and even embrace it – and this old dog learned a new trick, too.
Looking back and, eventually, planning for our next move, I wish I had researched which states were implementing Common Core and the reasons for doing so, taking the politics out of it. Such research would have saved me months of confusion and frustration. I could have saved my children months of the same if I had just looked up state standards on the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) website. We could have worked on it slowly over the summer and saved us from hours of eye rolling.
Take a look at the state standards on the MCEC website as soon as you have an idea of where you’ll be moving. This research will provide insight into classroom challenges your kids could face after your move. More importantly, it will give them a better chance for a smoother transition after their PCS.
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