The mobility of the military family creates opportunities and challenges for the education of military children

The School District of Okaloosa County received a $2.24M block grant award from the Department of Defense Education Activity under the Competitive Grants: Promoting K-12 Student Achievement at Military-Connected Schools program (CFDA 12.556). The grant will fund the ENGAGE 2.0 project to improve college entrance exam scores of military-connected students from September 2022 through May 2027.

The ENGAGE 2.0 project employs a holistic approach combining STEM education, physical activity, and mental wellness strategies. It establishes technology-enhanced classrooms, implements interactive cooperative learning, and provides innovative teacher training to build capacity. A progressive professional development plan also aims to strengthen relationships between schools and military families in supporting students. The project goals are aligned with the DoDEA Educational Partnership Grant Program's mission to meet the needs of highly mobile military-connected students through local education agency resources.

Engage 2.0 builds on the research that a healthy body and mind is instrumental in preparing students for future educational dreams and aspirations. IT combines stem education with a healthy body and mind focus. Stem education incorporates core subject areas, team building, and problem-solving skills. These experiences are paramount for college and career readiness. Research also overwhelmingly supports the relationship between active bodies and academic achievement. With these two concepts at the forefront, the engage 2.0 project is a holistic approach for educating students. The proposal sets up three strategies to meet its goal of improving the college entrance exam scores of military-connected students: 1. In class technology support through technology enhanced classrooms (TEC) to promote active learning. 2. In class curriculum support through interactive cooperative group opportunities. 3. Building capacity of teachers through innovative training and support. The engage 2.0 proposal includes a progressive professional development and community outreach plan that will build relationships between schools and military families to support students in an overall wellness approach to academic success. The world has become much smaller through the advancements of modern technology. Todays students must be prepared for a globally competitive future. Continuing the mission of collaboration between the school district, community, and military family to build healthy bodies and minds is the heart of engage 2.0