Exceptions for TN Drop Out laws?

[heyheyhey37]

My daughter is going to be 16 in October. She is currently pregnant with her second child. She will be born before her birthday though. We have talked about it alot and we have decided that it is best for her to drop out, all things considered. She wants to drop out this year and get her GED, hopefully continuing on to college soon after if she can find one that will accept her at such a young age. I understand there are certain requirements that have tobe set, and that TN's laws state that a child must stay in school until they are 17. But I wanted to know if there was anyway of contesting this, I've read up on some things, and although I'm not familar enough to get the full understanding on it, I have seen some places where it says there is the possiblity of an age waiver. To what extent can that help me? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[TheGeekess]

Tennesse Compulsory Education

"Code Section 49-6-3001, et seq.

Age at Which School Attendance is Required: Between 6 and 17 inclusive

Exceptions to Attendance Requirements: Child has graduated high school or has GED; physical/mental incapacity; mentally or physically incapacitated to perform school duties; child is 17 and conduct is detrimental to good order and benefit of other children; home school or nonpublic school instruction

Home School Provisions: Approved by local education agency; teacher/parent must have at least GED for teaching K-8, baccalaureate degree for 9-12; give notice; maintain records; at least 4 hours per day; standardized tests taken; parents associated with church-related school organizations exempt from requirements

Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance: After notice and failure to comply, judge may fine up to $50 or 5 hours community service; class C misdemeanor"
http://law.findlaw.com/state-laws/compulsory-education/tennessee/

Tennessee State BOE:
Are students enrolled in GED programs excused from compulsory attendance?
Yes. The statutory provisions regarding compulsory attendance (in TCA 49-6-3001) do not apply to "any child who . . . s enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a course leading to a general educational development certificate (GED) from a state-approved institution or organization, or who has obtained such certificate." (TCA 49-6-3001(c)(2)(B)). The Department of Labor & Workforce Development manages GED programs at the state level.

Federal law allows students 16 years or older to enroll in GED programs. If the student is enrolled and making satisfactory progress, state law excuses him or her from compulsory attendance at a public or private school. State Board rule, however, requires a student to be 17 years old and have a recommendation from the director of schools before he or she may take the GED test.

There is an attendance section within the Division of Accountability in the State Department of Education. They may be able to provide you with further assistance. You may contact them at: http://tennessee.gov/education/support/approval/attendance.shtml or 615-532-4730."
http://www.tennessee.gov/sbe/faq.html

 

[VeronicaLodge]

i'm sorry, your child is 15 and pregnant with her SECOND CHILD? wth? where were you during all this? I'm sorry, I know you didn't come here asking that question. looks like you got your question answered but sheesh get this girl some birth control please! I live in TN and don't want my tax dollars going to support her and her kids! I also have a step daughter who will be 16 in October, no babies.

 

[lisamont72]

Good luck to your daughter -- are there any schools in your district that cater to teen mothers? I'd contact your school district and see what her options are. It will be hard for her to finish school once she officially drops out.

Lisa

 

[CourtClerk]

The last thing a 15 year old who is pregnant with her SECOND child needs is to be allowed to drop out of school and get her GED. She obviously already has too much time on her hands and not enough parental supervision. You now want to help her have MORE time on her hands... and still (obviously) no parental supevision. Way to go.

 

[Just Blue]

The last thing a 15 year old who is pregnant with her SECOND child needs is to be allowed to drop out of school and get her GED. She obviously already has too much time on her hands and not enough parental supervision. You now want to help her have MORE time on her hands... and still (obviously) no parental supevision. Way to go.

I agree...I would think that combined with the TWO PREGNANCIES () allowing your daughter to drop out would possibly (probably) make you neglectful in the eyes of the law. Be prepared for a CPS investigation.

 

[cbg]

The law is not likely to provide an exception for a girl who doesn't know enough to keep her legs together. She needs more education, not less.