Development and Use of the California Healthy Kids Survey Military Module to Support Students in Military-connected Schools

This article describes the development and use of the California Healthy Kids SurveyMilitary Module to provide data about military-connected (MC) students and potential differential educational experiences of military versus nonmilitary youths and their families. Three military modules were developed and pilot tested and are now available for use statewide. These modules elicited information from students, parents, and school staff. Inquiries focused on issues relevant to MC students and explored their behavioral health risks, perceptions of school climate and resources, and mobility and deployment experiences. The process of creating these modules incorporated feedback from each of the targeted populations and a review of what is currently known about schools that serve military families. Results of this large-scale epidemiological study provide impetus for further research to elucidate experiences of MC youths. The project identifies and provides an empirical base to drive decision making on appropriate supports for military students. Results are used to identify needs and resources and assist the districts and principals in understanding the characteristics of the students and families they serve to increase optimal programming implementation.