| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 1/27/2010 2:55:58 PM Home School Legal Defense Association New Mexico: Positive Outcome to New PED Rule |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== New Mexico: Positive Outcome to New PED Rule Dear HSLDA Members and Friends: Thank you to all who took the time to submit comments to New Mexico's Public Education Department (PED) regarding the new rules for obtaining drivers' permits. The new rules went into effect on December 31, 2009. In the newly adopted rules the PED retained all of the provision allowing a parent or guardian to certify that a homeschooled student meets school attendance and academic proficiency requirements. This is great news for homeschooling parents and students alike. As a parent and your child's homeschool teacher, you will be able to verify that your student is academically on track and eligible for a driver's license. Assuming, of course, that they have completed all of the written and driving education requirements! HSLDA had also made some minor suggestions to modify the draft language in the PED rule to bring it more in line with what is already in New Mexico law. However, the PED chose not to make these changes. Although we were disappointed that the requested changes were not made, CAPE-NM and HSLDA are pleased that the PED has recognized a parent's authority over his or her children's home education program and passed the new rule affirming that. BACKGROUND: The governor of New Mexico originally initiated these new requirements for drivers' permits. When the Motor Vehicle Division designed the new rules for the permits, the agency did not provide a way for home educators to certify the academic proficiency and attendance requirements. Instead, the PED was given authority to implement rules to address this issue. As a result, the proposed rules, 6.30.11 NMAC, were drafted. CAPE-NM and HSLDA worked together to ensure that home educators are able to provide this verification instead of requiring them to go through the local public school. HSLDA wrote a letter to the PED on behalf of our members to urge them to pass the proposed rules, along with a few minor suggestions to keep the rules consistent with New Mexico state law as it relates to home educators. Under the proposed rules, the definition of a "home school" varies slightly from that in New Mexico. Stat. Ann. sec. 22-1-2. Our letter urged the PED to correct this and one other area to better protect home educators in New Mexico law. Unfortunately, the language was not adopted, but we are satisfied with the language that did pass. To read the new rules in their entirety, go to http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=7577 . Please feel free to forward this to any friends who might be interested. If you are not yet a member, you can become a part of HSLDA and help support homeschooling freedom in New Mexico and around the globe. Visit http://www.hslda.org/join/apply.asp to join today. Thank you for your participation and continuing support! Sincerely, Tj Schmidt HSLDA Staff Attorney ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> How many news articles did you read this morning over your oatmeal? We live in a world where concise information presented at the right time can make a big difference in the outcome of important legislative efforts. Yet it's tough to keep up with all the issues that affect you. HSLDA does this for you in the areas that affect your homeschool. Our emails and website enable you to take quick, decisive action. Please consider becoming a part of this team. 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Thank you for your cooperation. ====================================================================== | |
