Source: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/1608005030
Timestamp: 2018-07-16 06:55:32
Document Index: 212786269

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 404', '§ 404', '§ 404', '§ 404', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 404', '§ 404', '§ 79', '§ 43', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 79', '§ 404']

SSA - POMS: PS 08005.030 - Nebraska - 02/08/2017
PS 08005.030 Nebraska
B. PS 12-089 Qualification of a “Home School” as an Educational Institution – State of Nebraska
A "home school" in Nebraska that satisfies certain requirements under state law could qualify as an "educational institution" under the Act. A Letter of Acknowledgment from the State Commissioner of Education evinces the satisfaction of these requirements. Thus, a home school with a Letter of Acknowledgment is considered a "school" under Nebraska law.
I. ISSUES PRESENTED:
You asked for advice as to whether a “home school” in Nebraska qualifies as an “educational institution” within the meaning of section 202(d)(7) of the Social Security Act (Act), 42 U.S.C. § 402(d)(7). Based on our research, we conclude that a “home school” in Nebraska that satisfies certain requirements under state law could qualify as an “educational institution” under the Act.
Section 202(d) of the Act provides that child’s insurance benefits usually terminate when the child attains age 18. See 42 U.S.C. § 402(d)(6), (7). Entitlement to child’s benefits may continue, however, if (among other things) the child “was a full-time elementary or secondary student and had not attained the age of 19.” 42 U.S.C. § 402(d)(1). The Act defines a full-time elementary or secondary student as “an individual who is in full-time attendance as a student at an elementary or secondary school, as determined by the [Commissioner] (in accordance with regulations prescribed by him) in the light of the standards and practices of the schools involved. . . .” Id. at § 402(d)(7)(A). The Act defines an elementary or secondary school as “a school which provides elementary or secondary education, respectively, as determined under the law of the State or other jurisdiction in which it is located.” Id. at § 402(d)(7)(C)(i).
Effective July 24, 1996, the regulations were revised to specifically include students enrolled in home schooling or independent study programs authorized by state or local law. See 61 Fed. Reg. 38,361 (1996) (codified at 20 C.F.R. § 404.367 (1997)). The regulations allow child’s benefits to continue to age 19 if the child is being “instructed in elementary or secondary education at home in accordance with a home school law of the State or other jurisdiction in which [the child] reside[s].” 20 C.F.R. § 404.367(a)(1) (2011). The child must also carry “a subject load which is considered full-time for day students under standards and practices set by the State or other jurisdiction in which [the child] reside[s].” 20 C.F.R. § 404.367(b). Except for two specific exceptions noted in the Social Security regulations, the student must be scheduled to attend school for at least 20 hours per week in order to be considered a full-time student. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.367(c).
Nebraska requires compulsory regular attendance of public, private, denominational, or parochial school for children of mandatory attendance age. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-201(2). A child is of mandatory attendance age if the child (a) will reach 6 years of age prior to January 1 of the then-current school year and (b) has not reached 18 years of age. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-201(1). Such compulsory regular attendance can be satisfied by attendance at a school that elects to not meet accreditation or approval requirements. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-201(2). “In Nebraska, ‘home schools’ are referred to as exempt schools and are considered non-approved or non-accredited schools.” Neb. Dept. of Ed., Exempt (Home) School Program, http://www.education.ne.gov/fos/OrgServices/ExemptSchools/ (Last visited on April 16, 2012). We contacted Beth on April 10, 2012, who confirmed that home schools can satisfy the requirements of the compulsory attendance statute as non-approved or non-accredited schools if certain requirements are met.
Section 79-1601(3) of the Nebraska statutes provides that private, denominational, or parochial schools may elect not to meet state accreditation or approval requirements. However, such elections are only effective if the parents or legal guardians (parents) of children attending such schools submit a statement to the Commissioner of Education that the state accreditation or approval requirements either: (1) violate sincerely held religious beliefs of the parents, or (2) interfere with the decisions of the parents or in directing the student’s education. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601(3). In addition, parents seeking exemption must affirm that they will meet minimum health and safety requirements, teach specific subjects, and report attendance. See id. at § 79-1601(3)-(4). Individuals instructing of students are not required to meet the state certification requirements for teachers. See id. at § 79-1601(5). However, evidence of competence to provide instruction must be provided by other means. See id.
Currently, the process for satisfying the requirements of the statute involves a parent annually filing for exempt status under either Rule 12 (non-religious reasons) or Rule 13 (religious reasons). See Title 92, Neb. Admin. Code, Ch. 12, 13 (2011). The Nebraska Department of Education has developed forms for the parent to complete attesting that the home school meets the requirements to qualify as an exempt school. These forms must be filed with the Nebraska Department of Education at least 30 days prior to the date that the exempt school begins operation and annually thereafter by August 1. They are available online at the Nebraska Department of Education website. See http://www.education.ne.gov/fos/OrgServices/ExemptSchools/ (Last visited April 16, 2012).
These forms include affirmations regarding: (1) the child’s age; (2) the proper sequential instruction in the language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health; (3) the competency of those monitoring instruction to teach the above subjects; (4) that immunization requirements are met; and (5) that a minimum of 1080 hours of instruction in the secondary school are provided. See Form A: Parent or Guardian Form, http://www.education.ne.gov/fos/OrgServices/ExemptSchools/ (citing Title 92, Neb. Admin. Code, Ch. 12) (Last visited April 16, 2012). Upon approval, the State Commissioner of Education will send a Letter of Acknowledgment to the parent. See id.
The administrative rules provide that a parent must apply for exempt status only until the child reaches age 18. Once the child reaches age 18, compulsory education under Nebraska law is no longer required; therefore, filing for exempt status is no longer required. During our conversation on April 10, 2012, Beth confirmed that the Department does not monitor home schools once the student reaches age 18.
In summary, based upon our research, in order for a child who is being home schooled to be eligible for benefits as a full-time elementary or secondary school student, the instruction must be provided in accordance with a home school law of the State or jurisdiction. A “home school” in Nebraska that satisfies certain requirements under state law could qualify as an “educational institution” under the Act. A Letter of Acknowledgment from the State Commissioner of Education evinces the satisfaction of these requirements. Thus, a home school with a Letter of Acknowledgment is considered a “school” under Nebraska law and satisfies the requirements of 20 C.F.R. § 404.367(a)(1). Further, under Nebraska laws, if a home school receives a Letter of Acknowledgment, the other agency requirements of a proper subject load and 20 hours of attendance per week are also met. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.367(b), (c).
By: Sarah E. Preston
C. PS 99-140 Nebraska Home Schooling
NEBRASKA: The State of Nebraska statutes include home school laws. The parents are required to provide the Commissioner of Education with a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, or other proof of the child's identity and age, no later than October 1 of the first year of the child's attendance at the home school.
Further, the law states that the home school and the home school instructor(s) are subject to the general school laws of the state concerning grades, qualifications and certifications of teachers and promotions of pupils.
In every case, the parents and the home school instructor should be asked to submit evidence to prove the Nebraska laws are being met.
The Nebraska legislature has specifically addressed the issue of home schooling only in respect to a reporting requirement for parents or guardians of children receiving their education in a home school. The statute provides that the parent or guardian of a child who is receiving his or her education in a home school subject to §§ 79-1601 to 79-1 607 shall, no later than October 1 of the first year of the child's attendance at the home school, provide to the Commissioner of Education either: "(a) a certified copy of the child's birth certificate or (b) other reliable proof of the child's identity and age accompanied by an affidavit explaining the inability to produce a copy of the birth certificate." Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2007(3) (Supp. 1996).
The Nebraska statute at § 79-1601(1), provides that all private, denominational, or parochial schools and all teachers employed therein shall be subject to the general school laws of the state so far as grades, qualifications, and certification of teachers and promotion of pupils. The courses of study offered must be "substantially the same" as those given in the public schools. Id. Private, denominational, or parochial schools may elect not to meet state accreditation or approval requirements, but parents of children attending such schools must submit a statement to the Commissioner of Education stating that the requirements for approval and accreditation and the rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education "violate sincerely held religious beliefs of the parents or legal guardians" and that the school fulfills other requirements of the statute. Id. at §§ 79-1601 (2) and (3). In addition, schools electing not to meet state accreditation or approval requirements must still meet minimum health and safety requirements. teach specific subjects, and report attendance. Id. at § 79-1601(3). Individuals employed by schools which elect not to meet state accreditation or approval requirements are not required to meet certification requirements. These individuals, however, must provide evidence of competence to provide instruction by taking appropriate subject matter components of a "nationally recognized teacher competency examination designated by the State Board of Education" or by offering evidence of competence to provide basic skills pursuant to informal methods of evaluation developed by the State Board of Education. Id. at § 79-1 601 (4).
In summary, per 20 C.F.R. § 404.367 (1997), in order for a child who is being home schooled to be eligible for benefits as a full-time elementary or secondary school student, the instruction must be provided in accordance with a home school law of the state or jurisdiction. In Nebraska statutes include home school laws with specific state requirements which must be met.
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PS 08005.030 - Nebraska - 02/08/2017