Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 1: The Impact of MIC3 on Military Families 

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

A Brief Overview 

Full Article 

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children was created to provide a smooth transition for military children as their families relocate from installation to installation during a permanent change of station, or PCS (the military’s word for “relocation”). Often referred to as the MIC3 (“mick three”) for Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. MIC3 was created to address the most common challenges military-connected students experience while relocating. MIC3 helps students keep from losing academic time during military-related relocation, obtain appropriate placement, and be able to graduate on time. All 50 states and the District of Columbia participate. Washington State implements MIC3 as a state policy under RCW 28A.705.010. 

Applicability of MIC3 

MIC3’s rules provide consistent guidelines for how public schools address the most common challenges military-connected students experience when relocating. MIC3 rules only affect students in public schools and Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) from kindergarten to 12th grade if their parent falls into one of these categories: 

  • An active-duty service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve activated under Title 10. 
  • A veteran for one year following medical discharge or retirement. 
  • A service member who died on active duty for one year after the death. 
  • A uniformed member of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Public Health Services (USPHS). 

MIC3 State Representation 

The MIC3 operates through a network of state commissioners, and each U.S. state and territory has its own MIC3 State Commissioner. These commissioners are typically appointed or designated by the state or territory governor and serve as the point of contact for military families, educators, and other stakeholders within their jurisdiction.  

The Commission ensures that Member States adhere to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3). Its primary responsibilities encompass three main areas: 

  1. The Commission ensures that each Member State establishes a state commissioner, a designated authority responsible for overseeing MIC3 compliance within their respective state. 
  2. It ensures the establishment or development of a state council in each state, facilitating communication and coordination among key stakeholders. 
  3. The Commission ensures Member States’ compliance with MIC3 rules, regulations, and by-laws, as well as their state statutes, to ensure uniform educational opportunities for military children across state lines.  

In 2009, Washington State adopted MIC3 and appointed the current Washington Commissioner. 

Key Provisions of MIC3 

MIC3 doesn’t address all issues military families encounter, but it provides clear and consistent guidance for critical issues related to: 

  1. Enrollment, 
  2. Eligibility, 
  3. Placement and attendance, and 
  4. Graduation. 

Support with MIC3-Related Issues 

Parents can use this Step-by-Step Checklist to resolve issues that fall under the provisions of MIC3. For additional support, parents may contact their School Liaison, Parent Center, or MIC3 State Commissioner. As the parent center of Washington State, PAVE provides training to military-connected families, individuals with disabilities, and professionals through the STOMP program. Parents seeking individualized support may contact PAVE through the Get Help Form. 

Learn More about MIC3 

This is part of a three-part series on this topic of MIC3, which continues in Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), Part 2: MIC3 Supporting Appropriate Placement and Inclusion of Military Children, and Part 3: How MIC3 Protects Academic Progress toward Graduation. 

Additional Information