Sec. 5508. Educational opportunities for military children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
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Congress makes the following findings: The United States military is keenly aware of the need to support the families of those who serve our country. Military children face unique challenges in educational achievement due to frequent changes of station by, deployments by, and even injuries to their parents. Investing in quality education opportunities for all military children from cradle to career ensures parents are able to stay focused on the mission, and children are able to benefit from consistent relationships with caring teachers who support their early learning so they can be ready to excel in school.
Research shows that early math is at least as predictive of later school success as early literacy. Investing in early learning for military children is an important element in a comprehensive strategy for ensuring a smart, skilled, and committed future national security workforce. To strengthen the global standing and military might of the United States, technology, and innovation, the Nation must continuously look for ways to strengthen early education of children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to the Armed Forces in order to ensure the following: The placement of a priority on supporting early learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for children, including those at Department of Defense schools and schools serving large military child populations. Support for efforts to ensure that training and curriculum specialists, teachers and other caregivers, and staff serving military children have the training and skills necessary to implement instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that provides the necessary foundation for future learning and educational achievement in such areas.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the following: A description and assessment of the progress made in improving educational opportunities and achievement for military children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A description and assessment of efforts to implement the guidance issued under subsection (b).