Make Your Voice Count

Partners in PROMISE^® Launches the Fourth Military Special Education

Partners in PROMISE (PiP), in partnership with Elmhurst University and a dedicated research team, has launched the 2025 Military Special Education Survey. This triennial study offers military-connected families the opportunity to transform their lived experiences into data that drives change.

The survey gathers first-hand accounts from families navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, homeschooling, gifted education, and twice-exceptional (2e) services, all while managing the unique challenges of military life.

Our past surveys have influenced national policy conversations, shaped recommendations for the Department of Defense/Department of War, and equipped families with practical tools to navigate special education systems. Your participation ensures that researchers, educators, and policymakers hear directly from those living this reality.

Why Take This Survey

We know military families face constant “survey fatigue” and that hearing your stories is imperative. That’s why PiP:

Moved to a triennial survey schedule. We respect your time.
Designed the survey to take 20 minutes to complete. You can complete the survey in the waiting room during a therapy session or while having a cup of coffee after school drop-off.
Brings lived experience. We are a national active-duty military family-led nonprofit, navigating EFMP and special education alongside you.
Needs your voice. Your feedback sheds light on an underrepresented community and directly informs change.

What This Survey Will Explore

The goal of this survey is to give military families a voice. Too often, the unique challenges faced by families navigating special education in the military community are underrepresented in research and decision-making. Researchers will use your responses to:

Identify barriers to accessing special education services.
Understand how PCS moves disrupt the continuity of care and learning.
Learn about experiences with EFMP, DoDEA schools, homeschooling, and gifted programs.
Examine how special education impacts family well-being and even decisions about continuing military service.

We will use the findings to advocate for stronger supports, more consistent services, and policies that truly meet the needs of military-connected children with disabilities.

What to Expect

The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. We’ll ask about your family’s demographics, your military background, and your experiences with special education and military life.

Special education services and supports (IEPs, 504 Plans, gifted programs)
PCS-related disruptions
Experiences with EFMP and other DoD supports
Advocacy for your child
Homeschooling and DoDEA, if applicable
How special education impacts military career decisions

No personal identifiers (such as name, address, etc.) are collected. Any details that could identify a school district or location are generalized before analysis.

Confidentiality & Voluntary Participation

Participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and you may skip any question or stop at any time. If you choose to withdraw, we will remove your responses from analysis. We will store all data securely and report it anonymously. While the study involves minimal risk, your participation could have a meaningful impact by helping to improve support for military families with special needs.

Be a Part of the Change

Every PCS, every IEP meeting, every advocacy phone call reflects both the strength of military families and the barriers they face. By taking 20 minutes to complete the PiP 2025 Military Special Education Survey, you can shine a light on these realities, helping to remove barriers, strengthen supports, and ensure all military-connected children with disabilities receive the education they deserve.