Pursuant to ODOT-TSO’s Oregon Administrative Rule 737-015-0105 (1) – Income Based Subsidy for Approved Courses, TSO is adopting the Oregon Board of Education definition of “economically disadvantaged student” as the qualifier for the Free & Reduced Subsidy for ODOT-Approved Driver Education. Oregon’s State Board of Education definition is posted below:
Oregon Dept of Education Chapter 581, Division 14 – Student Investment Account
581-014-0001 Definitions for Student Investment Account
The following definitions apply to OAR 581-014-0001 to 581-014-9999.
(14) Effective July 1, 2023, “Economically disadvantaged students” means students who meet one or more of the following qualifications:
(a) are participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture;
(b) are participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program as defined in Title IV of the Social Security Act;
(d) are migrant students; or
(e) are students who are homeless.
While the BOE’s definition does not go into effect until July 1, 2023, ODOT TSO is adopting this definition immediately. Students who meet any of the definitions listed above will qualify for the Free & Reduced Subsidy for ODOT Approved Driver Education. Providers must see proof of eligibility from the family (not the school districts.