CompulsoryInstructionLaws

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Text: !!Discuss Minnesota's Compulsory Instruction Laws here. If you don't see a topic here that you feel should be included, edit this page. If you leave a question, we'll add a response so that you and others can benefit. If you have questions about the laws, don't hesitate to email MHA to get a quick response. Please keep in mind that this page can be edited by the general public. The views expressed here are not legal advice. __Read the overview of Minnesota's current laws below. If you have questions, please post them here.__ ---- __Under Seven Years Old, never been enrolled in any school:__ In regards to a six year old- I follow the letter of the law and wouldn't register a youngun until the first October 1st they are seven. I don't care if they turn seven on October 2nd- I don't register them until the next October 1st. Not everyone agrees with that view though, but I haven't found a law that clarifies that for homeschoolers (even though public schools have very clear laws about when a ps student must enroll). __ Under Seven, is/was enrolled in school:__ The law states that you can remove your children who are under the age of seven from school for 'good cause'. Good cause includes not being mature enough. A note that states that your under seven yo child is no longer going to be subject to the compulsory instruction laws for good cause is enough to remove your child from the homeschooling requirements and or public school. It's an 'opt out' measure that the law provides. Here is that part of the law- [120A.22, Sub 6, clause 6|http://ros.leg.mn/bin/getpub.php?pubtype=STAT_CHAP_SEC&year=current&section=120A.22&image.x=0&image.y=0&image=Get+Section#stat..6] __ 16 years old and over:__ Once your child is 16 years old, they are no longer bound by the compulsory instruction laws. You can still educate them at home, but you don't have to register as a homeschooler. They can still participate in PSEO. Some parents fear that their teens will be considered drop outs if they don't register. Many teens (16+) in MN have continued with their homeschooling without registering with the district. They continue to document their education and submit transcripts to the college/university when the time comes. The choice to register is yours. Talk to other parents with homeschooling teens to help you understand the choices. __ Instructional Calendar Requirement:__ The law used to say that we had to homeschool 170 days a year. That law was repealed, but the calendar requirement that went along with it wasn't written off. We still submit a calendar. You can write on the MHA reporting form when you intend to homeschool (365 days a year is a common response), but keep in mind there is no wrong answer. You could attach a copy of the public school calendar, indicating you are following the ps schedule. You could attach a small calendar and highlight whatever months you wish. Whatever you do, don't go into detail. No one needs to know what hours you'll be homeschooling at, or when you'll be on vacation in the Dakotas. __Traditional Qualifications:__ Clause 5 or 6, Either parent can qualify. If you intend to homeschool (be the primary educator) and your partner has the BA, you are not required to submit quarterly report cards.--Clause 5 Neither of you have a BA, you can still homeschool but need to submit quarterly report cards.--Clause 6 __Alternative Scenarios for Qualifications:__ Step parents, grandparents, friends, etc, may homeschool your child for you. You do not need to be the only instructor. 1. They have a BA (120A.22, Subd. 10, clause 5) Ex. If grandma has the degree, she can fill out the paperwork and homeschool the child. She is ultimately responsible for the childs education. 2. You (as a parent) with a BA (120A.22, Subd. 10, clause 5) Ex. You, the parent, hold a BA -fill out the paperwork and outsource the homeschooling to someone else, with the understanding that you are still the person responsible for the childs education. 3. You as the parent fill out the reporting forms and do not have a BA. (120A.22, Subd. 10, clause 6) Ex. You as the parent are qualified to homeschool, but delegate the job, with the understanding that you are still the person being held responsible for your childs education. Without the BA you, the parent, are required to submit quarterly report cards to the Superintendent. __Report Cards:__ If the instructor does not hold a BA, you must submit quarterly report cards. Satisfactory or Needs Improving will suffice. MHA has a nice sample card in their handbook. When to submit those report cards? The law only states quarterly. Do not specify when (such as May 12th) you intend on submitting report cards as you are not required to get that specific. Four times within 365 days or every three months send a copy of a report card. If your 'school year' is not 365 days long, then consider revising the quarters to be shorter.

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