Rethinking Education For Military Children

Orlando Montoya, GPB News

Two Georgia Army bases are part of a nationwide study that could expand military charter schools.

The Defense Department is re-thinking education for military children.

About 23,000 students attend schools run by the military at bases in the 50 states.

The study will take into account test results, graduation rates and parent and community comments to decide which schools need a big makeover.

Martha Brown of the Department of Defense Education Activity says some schools could remain as they are or be turned over to be run by local districts.

“DODEA requested this study to look at options available for the education of military dependents and examine those options through the lens of maintaining the highest of quality while at the same time maximizing efficiency,” Brown says.

Kara Kerwin of the Washington, D.C. based Center for Education Reform says the effort could lead to more charter schools.

“There are just under ten charter schools already across the country that are on military bases,” Kerwin says. “And part of that process came as a result of similar assessments in previous years.”

Similar studies in the past have been used to turn some schools into charters.

The review at 16 bases is expected to be complete by next summer.