Washington – Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jeff Jackson (D-NC-14) today introduced the bipartisan H.R. 6287, the Success for Military Connected Students Act, which extends the maximum number of students to teacher ratio directive for Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools around the world, which was set in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by Congress at 18:1 for grades K-3 and about 24:1 for grades 3-12.

Responsible for providing quality educational opportunities and services to military dependents around the globe, DoDEA schools currently have more than 66,000 military children enrolled in 160 schools located in 11 foreign countries, seven states and two territories. With more than 8,000 educators dedicated to teaching these students, DoDEA schools also provide support and resources to Local Educational Agencies throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.

“Numerous studies have shown that lower student to teacher ratios provides a better-quality education for students and continuing these mandated levels will ensure the dependents of our service members receive the best education no matter where their family is stationed,” said Rep. Bacon. “I thank Rep. Jackson for joining me in this bipartisan effort to service those who sacrifice so much for our country.”

“Servicemembers and their families make sacrifices every day to defend freedom and keep our country safe. We have an obligation to ensure their children have access to a great education and that DoDEA remains one of the highest achieving school systems in the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “This bill will prevent increases to class sizes and ensure that our teachers can provide students with the excellent education they deserve. I’m proud to join Rep. Bacon to introduce it in the House.”

The National Education Association also expressed their support for the legislation.

“Every day, DoDEA educators have a mission to ensure all military-connected students have the opportunity for an education that inspires their curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery. To meet this goal, engaging students at a high level requires class sizes that enable educators to connect one-on-one with their students,” said Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations at the National Education Association. “On behalf of the 6,000 educators we represent that teach in DoDEA schools, NEA strongly supports the Success for Military Connected Students Act, which would maintain current student-to-teacher ratios through the 2029-2030 DoDEA academic year. Year after year, DoDEA educators deliver a world class education to DoDEA students and maintaining current class sizes will continue to provide military-connected students the individualized support they so deserve.”

Read the bill here.