The Effect of the Military Lifestyle on a Dependent Child’s Education

Abstract

The frequent moves that U.S. military families are required to make during an active duty member’s career directly impact student-aged dependents. A study was conducted to determine the particular obstacles these students might face in their K-12 education as a direct result of permanent change of station moves. The findings - stress from the moving process, quality difference in schools, access to special education services, and housing options all contributed to emotional difficulties and impacted academic performance. These findings address issues military families face as they conflate their professional duties with the personal obligations to their children.