DoDEA Unveils Blueprint For Student Success
by Michael ODay, DoDEA Americas
August 3, 2025

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) launched in July 2025 ... a comprehensive five-year strategic plan called "The Blueprint for Continuous Improvement" ... aimed at enhancing education for military-connected students from prekindergarten through high school. It focuses on four core goals designed to support students, educators, and families amid the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent moves and deployments.

For parents and military stakeholders in the Americas region, the Blueprint promises a more personalized and resilient educational experience for their children. "This isn't just about test scores; it's about equipping our kids with the skills to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world," said Dr. Judith Minor, DoDEA Americas Director for Student Excellence. By prioritizing student well-being and resilience, alongside academics, the Blueprint addresses the realities faced by over 20,000 military-connected students in the region, many of whom transition between schools multiple times during their PreK-12 years.

At the heart of the Blueprint is Student Excellence, which means tailored support to help every child succeed. Parents can expect a strengthened Multi-Tiered System of Support, offering personalized interventions and enrichments tailored to meet both academic and emotional needs. This includes expanded programs for future-ready skills, such as career exploration and digital literacy, to ensure smooth transitions during Permanent Change of Station moves. For military kids, this translates to less disruption and more opportunities to build adaptability and lifelong learning habits.

School Excellence will elevate classrooms across DoDEA Americas schools, from West Point to Guantanamo Bay. The Blueprint invests in high-quality professional development for teachers, allowing them to deliver engaging, differentiated instruction boosting student outcomes. Military stakeholders, including base commanders, family support services, and School Advisory Committees will see stronger partnerships that align school improvements with community needs, fostering environments where educators are empowered to make a real difference.

Under Talent Excellence, DoDEA is committing to a top-tier workforce. New employees will benefit from a robust onboarding program, while expanded career pathways and leadership training will help retain talented staff. For parents, this means more consistent, high-caliber educators and administrators who understand the military lifestyle and can provide stable support for their children.

Finally, Organizational Excellence emphasizes innovation and communication. Families in the Americas region will experience improved engagement through transparent updates and stronger ties with military communities. The Blueprint also modernizes the use of technology, including the integration of ethical AI, to prepare students for a digital future while ensuring safe online environments. "We're building a system that's responsive to families' feedback and ready for tomorrow's challenges," Dr. Judith Minor added.

This strategic plan positions DoDEA as a leader in prek-12 education, directly benefiting military families by creating supportive, innovative schools. Parents and stakeholders interested in learning more can visit the DoDEA website or contact their local school for details. With this Blueprint, DoDEA is not only addressing today's challenges but also paving the way for military-connected kids to excel well into the future.

DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 161 accredited schools in 9 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico, serving over 67,000 military-connected students. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world.

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Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) | U.S. Department of War

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