The Education Symposium

Part 1 - Building Foundations (45 min) (Schedule Time TBD)

Focus: Academic access and smooth transitions for military-connected students

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1. IEPs & 504 Plans (20 min)

• Ensuring continuity of special education services across state lines and school systems

• Advocacy tips for families during frequent relocations

• Role of DoDEA, local districts, and parents

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2. School Transition Support (20 min)

• Strategies for reducing academic disruption

• Peer-to-peer mentoring and student ambassador programs

• Best practices from Purple Star schools at K–12 level

 

Closing (5 min)

• Quick Q&A + key resource highlights

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Part II – Advancing Pathways (45 min) (Schedule Time TBD)

Focus: Expanding recognition, higher education inclusion, and community collaboration

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1. Purple Star Designation – K–12 & Higher Ed (20 min)

• How states and schools earn Purple Star status

• Expansion into colleges and universities

• Models for supporting dependents and veteran-connected students in higher education

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2. Collaboration Between Families, Schools & Communities (20 min)

• Panel discussion: educators, parents, community orgs, youth voice

• Creating ecosystems of support that address academic, social-emotional, and transition needs

 

Closing (5 min)

 

Panelist Request CTA:
“Interested in serving as a panelist for the Education Symposium? Submit your interest here: symposium@themilitarychildworldexpo.com .”

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Youth Voice Segment: In Part II panel, we invite a military-connected student to share a 3-minute perspective (“My Education Journey”).

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Toolkit Distribution: One-page handouts or digital resource links for IEP/504 advocacy, Purple Star schools, and transition best practices will be available.