---
kind: "range"
citation: "20 U.S.C. §§ 921–932"
title: "20"
from: "921"
to: "932"
count: 13
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/20/921..932"
---

# §921. Defense dependents’ education system

- (a) **Establishment—** The Secretary of Defense shall establish and operate a program (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the “defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system”) to provide a free public education through [secondary school](/usc/20/1003.md?p=16) for [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) in [overseas areas](/usc/20/932.md?p=3).
- (b) **Program purposes and activities—**
  - (1) The Secretary shall ensure that individuals eligible to receive a free public education under [subsection (a)](#a) receive an education of high quality.
  - (2) In establishing the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system under [subsection (a)](#a), the Secretary shall provide programs designed to meet the special needs of—
    - (A) the handicapped,
    - (B) individuals in need of compensatory education,
    - (C) individuals with an interest in vocational education,
    - (D) [gifted and talented](/usc/20/1003.md?p=10) individuals, and
    - (E) individuals of limited English-speaking ability.
  - (3) The Secretary shall provide a developmental preschool program to individuals eligible to receive a free public education under [subsection (a)](#a) who are of preschool age if a preschool program is not otherwise available for such individuals and if [funds](/usc/20/4702.md?p=3) for such a program are available.
- (c) **Consultation requirements—** The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Education on the educational programs and practices of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.
- (d) **Optional summer school programs—**
  - (1) The Secretary of Defense may provide optional summer [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) programs in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.
  - (2) The Secretary shall provide any summer [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) program under this subsection on the same financial basis as programs offered during the regular [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) year, except that the Secretary may charge reasonable fees for all or portions of such summer [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) programs to the extent that the Secretary determines appropriate.
  - (3) The amounts received by the Secretary in payment of the fees shall be available to the Department of Defense for defraying the costs of conducting summer [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) programs under this subsection.
- (e) **Meal programs—** In addition to carrying out the requirement under [section 1769b of title 42](/usc/42/1769b.md) to administer lunch programs in certain [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11), the Secretary of Defense may administer a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) breakfast program for students attending a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.

# §922. Administration of defense dependents’ education system

- (a) **Operation; Director—** The defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system is operated through the field activity of the Department of Defense known as the Department of Defense Education Activity. That activity is headed by a [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6), who is a civilian and is selected by the Secretary of Defense. The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) reports to an Assistant Secretary of Defense designated by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this chapter.
- (b) **Implementation of program functions of Secretary of Defense through Director—** Except with respect to the authority to prescribe regulations, the Secretary of Defense may carry out his functions under this chapter through the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6).
- (c) **Functions of Director—** The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall—
  - (1) establish personnel policies, consistent with the Defense Department Overseas Teachers Pay and Personnel Practices Act ([20 U.S.C. 901](/usc/20/901.md) et seq.), for employees in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system,
  - (2) have authority to transfer professional employees in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system from one position to another,
  - (3) prepare a unified budget for each fiscal year, which shall include necessary [funds](/usc/20/4702.md?p=3) for construction and operation and maintenance of facilities, for the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system for inclusion in the Department of Defense budget for that year,
  - (4) have authority to establish, in accordance with [section 928 of this title](/usc/20/928.md), local [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) advisory committees,
  - (5) have authority to arrange for inservice and other training programs for employees in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system, and
  - (6) perform such other functions as may be required or delegated by the Secretary of Defense or the Assistant Secretary of Defense designated under [subsection (a)](#a).
- (d) **Establishment of regional or area offices; reports to Congress on reorganizations; authorized number of civilian employees—**
  - (1) The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall establish appropriate regional or area offices in order to provide for thorough and efficient administration of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.
  - (2) Whenever the Department of Defense Education Activity is reorganized in a manner that affects the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the Congress describing the reorganization.
  - (3) Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Defense Education Activity is authorized an appropriate number of civilian employees in its central office and such regional or area office as are established pursuant to [paragraph (1)](#d-1).

# §923. Space-available enrollment of students; tuition

- (a) **Enrollment of ineligible child in system school—** Subject to [subsection (b)](#b) and in accordance with regulations issued under [subsection (c)](#c), the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) may authorize the enrollment in a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system of a child not otherwise eligible to enroll in such a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) if and to the extent that there is space available for such child in the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11).
- (b) **Determination of amount of tuition; use of payments—**
  - (1) Except as otherwise provided under [subsection (c)](#c), any child permitted to enroll in a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system under this section shall be required to pay tuition at a rate determined by the Secretary of Defense, which shall not be less than the rate necessary to defray the average cost of the enrollment of children in the system under this section.
  - (2) Amounts received under [paragraph (1)](#b-1) shall be available to the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system to assist in defraying the cost of enrollment of children in the system under this section.
- (c) **Regulations respecting enrollment requirements—**
  - (1) The Secretary of Defense may by regulation identify classes of children who shall be eligible to enroll in [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system under this section if and to the extent that there is space available, establish priorities among such classes, waive the tuition requirement of [subsection (b)(1)](#b-1) with respect to any such class, and issue such other regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.
  - (2)
    - (A) The Secretary shall include in the regulations prescribed under this subsection a requirement that children in the class of children described in [subparagraph (B)](#c-2-B) shall be subject to the same tuition requirements, or waiver of tuition requirements, as children in the class of children described in [subparagraph (C)](#c-2-C).
    - (B) The class of children described in this subparagraph are children of members of reserve components of the Armed Forces who—
      - (i) are on active duty under an order to active duty under section [12301](/usc/10/12301.md) or [12302](/usc/10/12302.md) of title 10;
      - (ii) were ordered to active duty from a location in the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) (other than in Alaska or Hawaii); and
      - (iii) are serving on active duty outside the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) or in Alaska or Hawaii.
    - (C) The class of children described in this subparagraph are children of members of reserve components of the Armed Forces who—
      - (i) are on active duty under an order to active duty under section [12301](/usc/10/12301.md) or [12302](/usc/10/12302.md) of title 10;
      - (ii) were ordered to active duty from a location outside the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) (or in Alaska or Hawaii); and
      - (iii) are serving on active duty outside the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) or in Alaska or Hawaii.
- (d) **Enrollment of certain children in overseas schools—**
  - (1) The Secretary of Defense may authorize the enrollment in [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system of children in the following classes:
    - (A) Children of [officers](/usc/20/1094.md?p=i-5) and employees of the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) (other than civilian [officers](/usc/20/1094.md?p=i-5) and employees who are [sponsors](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) under [section 932(2) of this title](/usc/20/932.md?p=2)) stationed in [overseas areas](/usc/20/932.md?p=3).
    - (B) Children of employees of contractors employed in carrying out work for the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) in [overseas areas](/usc/20/932.md?p=3).
    - (C) Children of other citizens or nationals of the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4) or of foreign nationals, if the Secretary determines that enrollment of such children is in the national interest.
    - (D) Children of employees of the American Red Cross who—
      - (i) are performing, on a full-time basis, services for the Armed Forces, including emergency services; and
      - (ii) reside in an [overseas area](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) supported by a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.
  - (2) Notwithstanding [subsection (c)](#c), the Secretary may not waive the tuition requirements of [subsection (b)(1)](#b-1) with respect to children referred to in [paragraph (1)](#d-1).

# §923a. Enrollment of certain additional children on tuition-free basis

- (a) **Enrollment authorized—** Under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary may authorize the enrollment in [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system on a tuition-free basis of—
  - (1) the children of full-time, locally-hired employees of the Department of Defense in an [overseas area](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) if such employees are citizens or nationals of the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4); and
  - (2) the children of foreign military members assigned to—
    - (A) the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe, but only in a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system in Mons, Belgium; or
    - (B) the United Nations Command, but only in a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system in South Korea or Japan.
- (b) **Funding—** The Secretary may use [funds](/usc/20/4702.md?p=3) available for the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system to provide for the education of children enrolled in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system under [subsection (a)](#a).
- (c) **Special rules regarding enrollment of dependents of foreign military members—**
  - (1) In the regulations required by [subsection (a)](#a), the Secretary shall prescribe a methodology based on the estimated total number of [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) of [sponsors](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) under [section 932(2) of this title](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) enrolled in [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system described in [paragraph (2)](#a-2) of subsection (a) to determine the number of children described in that paragraph who will be authorized to enroll under such subsection. The Secretary shall prescribe such methodology with the advice and assistance of the commanders of the geographic combatant commands with jurisdiction over the locations described in [paragraph (2)](#a-2) of subsection (a).
  - (2) If the number of children described in [paragraph (2)](#a-2) of subsection (a) who seek enrollment in [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system exceeds the number authorized by the Secretary under [paragraph (1)](#c-1), the Secretary may enroll the additional children on a space-available, tuition-free basis notwithstanding [section 923(d)(2) of this title](/usc/20/923.md?p=d-2).

# §924. Annual educational assessment

- (a) **Contents—** The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall assess each year the performance of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system in providing an education of high quality to children enrolled in the system. Such assessment may include the use of educational assessment measures and such other means as the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) determines to be suitable for assessing student performance.
- (b) **Availability—** The results of each annual assessment under [subsection (a)](#a) with respect to an individual enrolled in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system shall be made available to the [sponsor](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) of such individual, and summary results of each such annual assessment shall be made available to Members of Congress and to professional employees in the system.

# §925. Budget request for school construction funds for Director of Dependents’ Education


The President shall include in his budget for each fiscal year a separate request for [funds](/usc/20/4702.md?p=3) for construction of [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) facilities by the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6).


# §926. School system for dependents in overseas areas

- (a) **Establishment and operation—** The Secretary of Defense shall establish and operate a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) system for [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) in [overseas areas](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) as part of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.
- (b) **Tuition and assistance when schools unavailable—**
  - (1) Under such circumstances as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe in regulations, the Secretary may provide tuition to allow [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) in an [overseas area](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) where a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) operated by the Secretary is not reasonably available to attend [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) other than [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) established under [subsection (a)](#a) on a tuition-free basis. [Schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) to which tuition may be paid under this subsection may include private boarding [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) in the [United States](/usc/20/932.md?p=4). Any [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) to which tuition is paid under this subsection to allow a [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) in an [overseas area](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) to attend such [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) shall provide an educational program satisfactory to the Secretary.
  - (2)
    - (A) The Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy, may provide financial assistance to [sponsors](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) of [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) in [overseas areas](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) where [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) operated by the Secretary of Defense under [subsection (a)](#a) are not reasonably available in order to assist the [sponsors](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) to defray the costs incurred by the [sponsors](/usc/20/932.md?p=2) for the attendance of the [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) at [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) in such areas other than [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) operated by the Secretary of Defense.
    - (B) The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall each prescribe regulations relating to the availability of financial assistance under [subparagraph (A)](#b-2-A). Such regulations shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be consistent with Department of State regulations relating to the availability of financial assistance for the education of [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) of Department of State personnel overseas.
- (c) **Continuation of enrollment for certain dependents of members of Armed Forces involuntarily separated—**
  - (1) A member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty on September 30, 1990, who is [involuntarily separated](/usc/20/932.md?p=5) during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001, and who has a [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) described in [paragraph (2)](#c-2) who is enrolled in a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system (or a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) for which tuition is provided under [subsection (b)](#b)) on the date of that separation shall be eligible to enroll or continue the enrollment of that [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) at that [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) (or another [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) serving the same community) for the final year of secondary education of that [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) in the same manner as if the member were still on active duty.
  - (2) A [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) referred to in [paragraph (1)](#c-1) is a [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) who on the date of the separation of the member has completed the eleventh grade and is likely to complete secondary education within the one-year period beginning on that date.
- (d) **Auxiliary services available to home school students—**
  - (1) A [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) who is educated in a home [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) setting, but who is eligible to enroll in a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system, shall be permitted to use or receive [auxiliary services](#d-2) of that [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) without being required to either enroll in that [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) or register for a minimum number of courses offered by that [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11). The [dependent](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) may be required to satisfy other eligibility requirements and comply with standards of conduct applicable to students actually enrolled in that [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) who use or receive the same [auxiliary services](#d-2).
  - (2) For purposes of [paragraph (1)](#d-1), the term “auxiliary services” includes use of academic resources, access to the library of the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11), after hours use of [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) facilities, and participation in music, sports, and other extracurricular and interscholastic activities.

# §927. Allotment formula

- (a) **Establishment by regulation of minimum allotment formula; criteria—** The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall by regulation establish a formula for determining the minimum allotment of [funds](/usc/20/4702.md?p=3) necessary for the operation of each [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system. In establishing such formula, the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall take into consideration—
  - (1) the number of students served by a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) and the size of the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11);
  - (2) special cost factors for a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11), including—
    - (A) geographic isolation of the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11),
    - (B) a need for special staffing, transportation, or educational programs at the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11), and
    - (C) unusual food and housing costs,
  - (3) the cost of providing academic services of a high quality as required by [section 921(b)(1) of this title](/usc/20/921.md?p=b-1); and
  - (4) such other factors as the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) considers appropriate.
- (b) **Issuance, etc., of regulations—** Any regulation under [subsection (a)](#a) shall be issued, and shall become effective, in accordance with the procedures applicable to regulations required to be issued by the Secretary of Education in accordance with [section 1232 of this title](/usc/20/1232.md).
- (c) **Applicability of certain provisions—**
  - (1) **Children with disabilities—** Notwithstanding the provisions of [section 921(b)(3) of this title](/usc/20/921.md?p=b-3), the provisions of part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [[20 U.S.C. 1411](/usc/20/1411.md) et seq.], other than the funding and reporting provisions, shall apply to all [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) operated by the Department of Defense under this chapter, including the requirement that children with disabilities, aged 3 to 5, inclusive, receive a free appropriate public education.
  - (2) **Infants and toddlers with disabilities—** The responsibility to provide comparable early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in accordance with [individualized family service plans](/usc/20/1401.md?p=15) described in section 636 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [[20 U.S.C. 1436](/usc/20/1436.md)] and to comply with the procedural safeguards set forth in part C of such Act [[20 U.S.C. 1431](/usc/20/1431.md) et seq.] shall apply with respect to all eligible [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1) overseas.
  - (3) **Implementation—** In carrying out [paragraph (2)](#c-2), the Secretary shall have in effect a comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities among Department of Defense entities involved in the provision of such services to such individuals.

# §928. School advisory committees

- (a) **Establishment; functions; membership—**
  - (1) The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall provide for the establishment of an advisory committee for each [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system. An advisory committee for a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) shall advise the principal or superintendent of the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) with respect to the operation of the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11), may make recommendations with respect to curriculum and budget matters, and, except as provided under [paragraph (2)](#a-2), shall advise the local military commander with respect to problems concerning [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education within the jurisdiction of the commander. The membership of each such advisory committee shall include an equal number of [parents](/usc/20/1021.md?p=16) of students enrolled in the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) and of employees working at the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) and, when appropriate, may include a student enrolled in the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11). The membership of each such advisory committee shall also include one nonvoting member designated by the organization recognized as the exclusive bargaining representative of the employees working at the [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11).
  - (2) In the case of any military installation or [overseas area](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) where there is more than one [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) in the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system, the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall provide for the establishment of an advisory committee for such military installation or [overseas area](/usc/20/932.md?p=3) to advise the local military commander with respect to problems concerning [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education within the jurisdiction of the commander.
- (b) **Election of members; regulations respecting qualifications and election procedures—** Except in the case of a nonvoting member designated under the last sentence of [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1), members of a [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) advisory committee established under this section shall be elected by individuals of voting age residing in the area to be served by the advisory committee. The Secretary of Defense shall by regulation prescribe the qualifications for election to an advisory committee and procedures for conducting elections of advisory committee members.
- (c) **Members to serve without pay—** Members of [school](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) advisory committees established under this section shall serve without pay.

# [§929. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, § 576, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2143 — repealed]



# §930. Study of defense dependents’ education system

- (a) **Scope; conduct and report to Director by contractor—**
  - (1) The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) may from time to time, but not more frequently than once a year, provide for a comprehensive study of the entire defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system. Any such study shall include a detailed analysis of the education programs and the facilities of the system.
  - (2) Any study under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) shall be conducted by a contractor selected by the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) after an open competition. After conducting such study, the contractor shall submit a report to the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) describing the results of the study and giving its assessment of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.
- (b) **Consultation requirements respecting study specifications and contractor selection—** In designing the specifications for any study to be conducted pursuant to [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1), and in selecting a contractor to conduct such study under [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2), the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall consult with the Advisory [Council](/usc/20/80r–1.md?p=2) on [Dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ Education established under [section 929](/usc/20/929.md)[^1] of this title.
- (c) **Reporting requirements of Director—** The [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) shall submit to the Congress any report submitted to him under [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2) describing the results of a study carried out pursuant to [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1), together with the recommendations, if any, of the contractor for legislation or any increase in funding needed to improve the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, such report shall not be submitted to any review before its transmittal to the Congress, but the Secretary of Defense shall, at the time of the transmittal of such report, submit to the Congress such recommendations as he may have with respect to legislation or any increase in funding needed to improve the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.

# §931. Regulations; issuance and contents


The Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations to carry out this chapter. Such regulations shall—

- (1) prescribe the educational goals and objectives of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system,
- (2) establish standards for the development of curricula for the system and for the selection of instructional materials,
- (3) prescribe professional standards for professional personnel employed in the system,
- (4) provide for arrangements between the [Director](/usc/20/932.md?p=6) and commanders of military installations for necessary logistic support for [schools](/usc/20/5802.md?p=a-11) of the system located on military installations,
- (5) provide for a recertification program for professional personnel employed in the system, and
- (6) provide for such other matters as may be necessary to ensure the efficient organization and operation of the defense [dependents](/usc/20/932.md?p=1)’ education system.

# §932. Definitions


For purposes of this chapter:

- (1) The term “dependent” means a minor individual—
  - (A) who has not completed secondary schooling, and
  - (B) who is the child, stepchild, adopted child, ward, or spouse of a [sponsor](#2), or who is a resident in the household of a [sponsor](#2) who stands in loco parentis to such individual and who receives one-half or more of his support from such [sponsor](#2).
- (2) The term “sponsor” means a person—
  - (A) who is—
    - (i) a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty, or
    - (ii) a full-time civilian [officer](/usc/20/1094.md?p=i-5) or employee of the Department of Defense and a citizen or national of the [United States](#4); and
  - (B) who is authorized to transport [dependents](#1) to or from an [overseas area](#3) at Government expense and is provided an allowance for living quarters in that area.
- (3) The term “overseas area” means any area situated outside the [United States](#4).
- (4) The term “United States”, when used in a geographical sense, means the several [States](/usc/20/954.md?p=g-4-E), the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United States (excluding the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and Midway Island).
- (5) The term “involuntarily separated” has the meaning given that term in [section 1141 of title 10](/usc/10/1141.md).
- (6) The term “Director” means the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity.