Tools and Resources

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides a suite of tools and resources to help school systems effectively support highly mobile and at-risk student populations. These resources are designed to address the diverse and complex needs of students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or facing other mobility-related challenges.

These tools are designed to promote educational stability, remove barriers to success, and empower educators and administrators to create responsive, inclusive learning environments. Whether you're seeking implementation support, professional development, or strategic planning tools, this page serves as a valuable hub for actionable resources.

🎥 Military-Connected Students Program Video Suite - NEW

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), is proud to present this video series designed to support military-connected students, families, and educators across Texas. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to fostering welcoming, responsive, and well-informed educational environments that recognize the unique experiences of military families. Through these videos, TEA and MCEC aim to empower educators and families with practical insights, resources, and strategies that promote academic success, emotional well-being, and strong school-community connections for every military-connected child.

The series is organized into four key topics, with each topic featuring two videos: one tailored for educators and the other for families, ensuring relevant and practical guidance for both audiences. (Videos released 10/10/2025)

Military Culture and Lifestyles

This video series offers a dual perspective on the lived experiences of military-connected families and the role educators play in supporting them. From the family viewpoint, the video highlights how frequent relocations and deployments shape traditions, values, and daily routines, revealing the resilience and adaptability that define military life. The educator-focused video complements this by emphasizing the importance of understanding these cultural dynamics, including mobility and service-related stress, to create welcoming and responsive learning environments. Together, these videos foster deeper empathy and awareness, encouraging stronger connections between schools and military families.

👉 Watch now: Military Culture and Lifestyle - Family and Educator

Military Families Relocating to Texas

This video series offers practical guidance and emotional support for military-connected families and educators navigating school transitions. Families share personal experiences of relocating to Texas, offering tips on preparing children for change, accessing school resources, and building new community connections. Educators gain strategies to welcome new students, maintain academic continuity, and foster trust with families facing frequent moves. Together, these perspectives highlight the importance of collaboration and understanding in creating smooth, supportive transitions for military-connected students.

👉 Watch now: Military Families Relocating to Texas - Family and Educator

Military Connected Students with Exceptional and Special Needs

This video series highlights the experiences and needs of exceptional children within military families, offering insights for both families and educators. Families share personal stories of advocacy and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of accessing support systems like the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and navigating educational and healthcare services. Educators learn best practices and strategies to support students with special needs, collaborate effectively with families, and leverage military-specific resources to ensure comparable access to learning and development. Together, these perspectives promote a shared commitment to meeting the unique needs of exceptional learners in military communities.

👉 Watch now: Military Connected Students with Exceptional and Special Needs - Family and Educator

Supporting Military Families

This video series highlights the vital role of schools and communities in supporting military-connected families. Families share how emotional wellness, parent engagement, and access to resources contribute to stability and student success. Educators are guided in building strong, culturally sensitive relationships with families through effective communication and collaboration. Together, these perspectives emphasize the power of partnership in creating nurturing environments where students and caregivers feel valued and supported.

👉 Watch now: Supporting Military Families - Family and Educator

🎥 Foster Care ESSA Tools Promotional Video – NEW!

Unleash the power of storytelling to elevate your foster care program outreach! This newly released promotional video spotlights the critical ESSA tools available to support educational stability for students in foster care. In under two minutes, it delivers a compelling message that informs, inspires, and mobilizes action. Whether you're briefing district leaders, training campus staff, or engaging community partners, this video is a dynamic resource to spark conversations and drive meaningful support. Watch it, share it, and use it to amplify your commitment to access and success for every student in foster care.

👉 Watch now (Released 10/3/25): https://youtu.be/ZXNBO1KjMS8?si=l12JecIykv1p65Eu

🎥 Discover the Heart of HMAR: Empowering Texas Students Through Support and Innovation Promotional Video - NEW!

Step into the mission-driven work of the Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs (HMAR) Unit with this inspiring new video. Designed to inform and ignite action, the video showcases how TEA’s HMAR team is transforming educational outcomes for students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or connected to the military. Through strategic partnerships, statewide support, and innovative tools, HMAR is building pathways to success for Texas’s most vulnerable youth. Use this video to elevate awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and reinforce your commitment to access and opportunity for every student. Watch it, share it, and be part of the movement to ensure no student is left behind.

👉 Watch now (Released 10/3/25): https://youtu.be/Bk-XrqUHPig?si=mOq30WO1j3XZVm2b

🎥 Mentoring Matters: Breaking the Cycle Through Connection (AMACHI Texas)

Discover how consistent, caring mentorship can transform lives in this powerful video spotlighting support for children of incarcerated parents and other at-risk youth. Centered on prevention, resilience, and long-term impact, the video highlights how positive adult-youth relationships can disrupt cycles of intergenerational incarceration and open doors to brighter futures. Whether you're an educator, community leader, or advocate, this video is a compelling call to action—showing how mentorship fosters personal growth, builds hope, and empowers young people to thrive. Watch, share, and be part of the movement to uplift Texas youth through connection and compassion.

👉 Watch now (Released 10/30/24): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyyIqCJBy_s

Downloadable Resources