Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3)

As a result of the passage of the Valor Act of 2012, Massachusetts became a member of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission or MIC3. In accordance with the Valor Act and MIC3, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is committed to provide support and assistance to the students of active duty military families. We work to ensure the timely enrollment and graduation of this mobile population.

Staff Contact:

Christine Cowen, Military Connected Student Specialist
Educational Stability Team, Office of Student and Family Support
Phone Number: 781-338-6301
Email: Christine.H.Cowen@mass.gov

Guidance:

• Guidance on the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3)
  This guidance provides information on the following key elements of the Compact:
  • Appendix A Definitions
    
  • Appendix B Duties of Schools
    
  • Appendix C Duties of Receiving Local Education Agencies
    
  • Appendix D Duties of State Education Agencies
    
  • Appendix E Full Text of M.G.L. Chapter 15E — Valor Act
  
  

• Amendment to Massachusetts Military Connected Students based on an Act Relative to Military Spouse-Licensure Portability, Education and Enrollment of Dependents [2022] — Remote Registration and Purple Star Designation

• Massachusetts Competency Determination Graduation Policy for High School Students in Military Families
  Request to Submit Alternative Evidence for High School Students in a Military Family to Earn a Competency Determination form

Purple Star Award Designation:

The Annual Purple Star Award Designation will be given to Massachusetts public schools who show a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. The Department will designate a school with a Purple Star Award that meets the criteria outlined below. Schools that earn the designation will receive a Purple Star Award recognition letter and certificate to display on site. The initial designation is awarded for a three-year cycle, upon which the school can complete a renewal application for the next cycle.

Class of 2024 Purple Star Award Designations:

• Bedford High School
• Hanscom Middle School

Class of 2025 Purple Star Award Designations:

Informational Webinar

The webinar sessions were completed in October 2025. Please review the presentation for information shared at the sessions.

• Class of 2025 Purple Star Webinar presentation

Application Process

Applications are now available. Schools have until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 to submit their applications. It is recommended to use the Word template below to prepare answers to then be copied to the electronic application. Awards will be tentatively announced in April.

Application Criteria

Criteria to be submitted for initial and renewal applications is as follows:

• Military Liaison Contact Information
• Number of Military-Connected Students identified; (data will depend upon if initial or renewal application)
• Military Liaison- Processes and Implementation of Duties
• Webpage address of resources specific in supporting military-connected students and their families
• A student led activity (age appropriate) that supports military-connected students transitioning into the school
• Professional Development attended by the Military Liaison and additional staff
• Implementation of Professional Development
• Plans and Strategies over the next three years
• One Additional Qualifying Activity (resolution; event; and/or partnership)
• Optional submission of supporting documentation

Related Resources:

• MIC3

• Offering free monthly Compact 101 training sessions on Zoom. To register go to the MIC3 Events Calendar

• Guide for Parents, School Officials and Public Administrators

• Purple Up for the Military Child! — Flier to Promote the Month of the Military Child (April)

• The Field Guide to the Military Teen

Last Updated: November 4, 2024