Regular attendance means the student takes one or more courses of study and attends
classes:
-
•
in a college or university for at least 8 hours per week under a semester or quarter
system;
-
•
in grades 7 - 12 for at least 12 hours per week;
-
•
in a course of training to prepare them for a paying job for at least 15 hours per
week if the course involves shop practice, or 12 hours per week if it does not involve
shop practice. This training includes anti-poverty programs, such as the Job Corps
and government-supported courses in self-improvement; or
-
•
for less than the amount of time indicated above for reasons beyond the student's
control, such as illness, if circumstances justify the reduced credit load or attendance.
Examples of school attendance
School attendance less than the required hours
Kim is a physically disabled student who attends vocational school only one day per
week due to the unavailability of transportation. Although their enrollment for attendance
is less than 12 hours per week, Kim qualifies as regularly attending school because
the lack of transportation is a circumstance beyond their control.
Enrollment in special course of study
Edward is a 19-year-old student attending a public high school. They do not attend
regular classes but receive special training to meet self-improvement skills such
as combing hair, dressing, and eating. Edward is not a student for SSI purposes despite
attendance at a secondary school facility because they are not attending a curriculum
for grades 7-12.
Student in a training course
Sara is a 21-year-old student who attends Perkins School for the Blind. They are in
a training course 20 hours per week. Sara spends 15 hours per week learning office
skills and 5 hours per week learning personal grooming skills. At the conclusion of
the course, Sara will be able to use their office skills for a paying job (sheltered
or in a competitive job market). The 15 hours per week that they spend on learning
office skills meets the required attendance hours and qualifies them as a student
for SSI purposes.