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Frequently used terms
Parent(s): the person legally caring for a migratory student; could be a guardian
Child/children: youth aged 0-21 who have not graduated from high school or earned a HSE certificate
Student: youth enrolled in a public school in Texas
If you see the words “English Only” next to a website, this means the resource does not have a translation option and is only available in English
If you see this icon, 
it means that the service or resource described is provided by
the MEP and only available to migratory students.
Children continue their educational journey in grades 6–12, building upon what they learned in previous years and possibly choosing a future career. A child’s secondary education begins in grade 6 and continues through grade 12, ending at graduation.
Attendance - Attending school is important for all students, and especially for those in grades 6–12. Lessons become more complex and course material goes more in-depth at the secondary level. In Texas, parents have the responsibility to make sure children ages 6 to 18 attend school.7 If your child does not have the required attendance (number of days in school), they may not graduate, even with passing grades and enough credits for graduation.
As soon as your family arrives in a new city, register your children at the school in your community, even if you only plan to reside in that new school district for a short time. Visit the Texas Schools website to locate a school in your area or to learn more about local schools.
State Assessments - STAAR and End-of-Course (EOC) tests are designed to measure what students are learning in each grade and whether they are ready for the next grade. The goal is to ensure that all students receive what they need to be academically successful. Meeting these individual student needs depends greatly on schools, parents, and community members working together.8 Students must pass each of these tests to graduate.
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A student’s grade level determines which state assessment they must take each year.
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Students in grades 6–8 take STAAR tests in reading, math, writing, science, and social studies.
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Students in grades 9–12 take End-of-Course (EOC) tests in algebra I, biology, US history, English I, and English II.
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Parents can find information, resources, and a checklist to help prepare their child for the STAAR tests on the STAAR website.
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The STAAR Report Card Recommended Book List (English only) provides recommended book titles for each grade level.
Graduation Requirements - A student must accomplish certain requirements in order to graduate high school.
- Students must pass the EOC state assessments in grades 9–12.
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The MEP offers resources through the Texas Migrant Interstate Program (TMIP) if a student fails a
state assessment, is traveling during the assessment testing windows, or has moved and will be spending
the rest of the semester out of Texas.
- The MEP can provide and/or coordinate tutoring or coordinate a retesting opportunity for a child who failed an EOC.
- Students must earn a minimum number of credits in required courses.
- The MEP can provide and/or coordinate credit-by-exam, tutorials, and credit accrual or consolidation.
- The MEP can provide information for migratory students who have dropped out of high school to help them earn their high school equivalency credential.
- Students must attend the minimum number of required days in order to be awarded credits.
Parent-teacher Conferences - Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for you to work with your child’s teacher to better understand what your child is learning, how they are progressing, and ways you can best support their learning at home. These meetings are scheduled by the school throughout the school year. However, you can contact your child’s teacher to request a conference any time you have questions or would like to talk about how your child is doing in school. Parent-teacher conferences can be stressful, but remember, you and your child’s teacher are working together to ensure your child is on the right track. Even as your child gets older, they still need their parents and teachers to communicate and combine their support. Several websites can help you prepare for a parent-teacher conference.
- Back to School Parent Conferencing (English only) provides parents with a conferencing tool that explains what to do before and during a parent-teacher conference in order to best connect with their child’s teacher.
- Questions for Teachers (English only) helps you plan your questions before the parent-teacher conference.
- A conference with the child’s secondary school counselor can be helpful for both students and parents. Questions for Counselors (English only) provides a list of questions for students in grades 9–12 and their parents to ask.
- Support to Help Ensure Your Child is on Track This School Year offers support and resources to help parents improve academic outcomes for your child.
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There are several website resources that can help you learn about the secondary education process so you can support your child.
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Education Resources for Parents of K–12 Migratory Children offers resources and additional activities for
parents to use at home with their child to support learning.
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Supporting English Learners in Texas web portal provides information and resources that are relevant, accessible, and impactful to support parents and families to ensure the academic success of English learners.
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To help parents better understand graduation requirements, the MEP can set up parent meetings, connect parents with a migrant counselor/adviser, or provide graduation guides.
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The MEP can provide information on the
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and various
migrant-specific scholarships that are available for migratory students seeking post-secondary options.
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The MEP staff can provide information on specific instructional and/or support services available in the district
to support the needs of migratory children.
Visit the Resources section for a list of resources available statewide for migratory families.
Show references
8
All About the STAAR Test,
”Texas Assessment, Texas Education Agency, accessed April 20,2022,
https://www.texasassessment.gov/staar-about.
Show references
7 Texas Education Code, Education Code. Chapter 25. Subchapter A. Admission and Enrollment (Austin, Texas) EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 25. ADMISSION, TRANSFER, AND ATTENDANCE (texas.gov).