Teacher Reciprocity for Military Spouses Advanced
Nebraska schools that take measures to welcome military-connected students would receive a special designation under a proposal considered Feb. 23 by the Education Committee.
Under Legislative Bill 5, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, a public, private or parochial school could apply to the State Board of Education for an annual “purple star school” designation.
To qualify, a school would have to designate a staff member as a military liaison, who would serve as a school’s point of contact for military-connected students and their families. Among other duties, the liaison would identify military-connected students and assist in coordinating school programs relevant to them.
Among other criteria, a qualifying school must offer online resources for military-connected students and their families, maintain a student-led program to assist military-connected students in transitioning into the school and offer training for staff members on issues related to military-connected students.
Blood said the average military-connected student moves six to nine times during their school years. LB 5 is intended to encourage Nebraska schools to adopt programs that ease a difficult transition for students and their families, she said.
“An important part of any transition for these children of our military families is going to be learning that they aren’t on their own and have a tangible support system in place,” Blood said.
John Hilgert, director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs, said the proposal would help children of service members connect socially and emotionally with their new school. By making the transition easier for parents who serve on active duty, he said, the bill also would promote national defense.
The Unicameral Information Office is operated by the Clerk of the Legislature. Find additional coverage at update.legislature.ne.gov.
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