2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 20-A: EDUCATION › Part 3: ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION › Chapter 207-A: INSTRUCTION › Subchapter 3: SECONDARY SCHOOLS › 20-A §4722. High school diploma standards

§4722. High school diploma standards
1.  Minimum instructional requirements.
The instructional requirements leading to a high school diploma must be part of a program of at least 4 years that meets the requirements established by this section and any other instructional requirements established by the commissioner and the school board.
[PL 2021, c. 571, §6 (AMD).]
2.  Diploma requirements.
Instruction in the following subjects must be provided in separate, integrated or applied learning programs. Students may demonstrate achievement of the standards through multiple pathways, including those identified in section 4703, and by evidence documented by course and learning experiences using multiple measures, including examinations, quizzes, portfolios, performances, exhibitions, projects and community service. A diploma indicates that the graduate has completed the requirements described in this section and is ready to enter a postsecondary education program or a career as a clear and effective communicator, a self-directed and lifelong learner, a creative and practical problem solver, a responsible and involved citizen and an informed and integrative thinker. Students must complete the following minimum requirements for a high school diploma:
A. English--4 years or the equivalent in standards achievement;   [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).]
B. Social studies and history, including American history, government, civics and personal finance--2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement;   [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).]
C. Mathematics--2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement;   [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).]
D. Science, including at least one year of laboratory study--2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement; and   [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).]
E. Fine arts, which may include art, music, forensics or drama--one year or the equivalent in standards achievement.   [PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD).]
[PL 2021, c. 571, §7 (AMD).]
2-A.  Implementation of multiple pathways and opportunities.
[PL 2021, c. 571, §8 (RP).]
2-B.  Policy.
[PL 2021, c. 571, §9 (RP).]
3.  Satisfactory completion.
A secondary school student may earn a diploma if the student has satisfactorily completed all diploma requirements in accordance with the academic standards of the school administrative unit and this section. A school administrative unit shall award a high school diploma to a child with a disability, as defined in section 7001, subsection 1‑B, who satisfies the local diploma requirements in the manner specified by the child's individualized education plan. Career and technical students may satisfy the requirements of subsection 2 through separate or integrated study within the career and technical school curriculum, including through courses provided pursuant to section 8402 or 8451‑A, on the approval of the commissioner and the local school board or in accordance with an equivalency agreement pursuant to section 8404, subsection 3, paragraph B or section 8457, subsection 2.
[PL 2023, c. 247, §1 (AMD).]
4.  Exception.
A secondary school student who has satisfactorily completed the freshman year in an accredited degree-granting institution of higher education or a secondary school student who has satisfactorily completed the junior and senior years in a dual enrollment career and technical education program formed pursuant to chapter 229 may be eligible to receive a high school diploma from the secondary school the student last attended, although the student may not meet the graduation requirements of this Title.
[PL 2013, c. 318, §1 (AMD).]
5.  Advanced study.
Nothing in this chapter may prevent the award of a diploma to a student who has completed all diploma requirements in fewer than 4 years of study.
[PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C, §§5, 7 (NEW).]
6.  Exception for certain veterans.
A secondary school may award a high school diploma to a person who meets all of the following requirements. A diploma may be awarded posthumously.
A. The person or the person's family must apply to the secondary school for the diploma.   [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).]
B. The person must either:
(1) Have attended the secondary school or attended a secondary school in the geographic area now served by the secondary school; or
(2) Currently reside in the geographic area served by the secondary school.   [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).]
C. The person must have left secondary school:
(1) Before or during World War II to serve in the Armed Forces during World War II;
(2) Before or during the Korean Conflict to serve in the Armed Forces in the Korean Conflict;
(3) Before or during the Vietnam War to serve in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War era. For purposes of this subparagraph, "Vietnam War era" means the period beginning February 28, 1961 and ending May 7, 1975; or
(4) To serve in the Armed Forces during the period of wartime or peacetime after a period of wartime described in subparagraph (1), (2) or (3).   [PL 2013, c. 281, §1 (AMD).]
D. The person did not graduate or receive a high school diploma because of service in the Armed Forces.   [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).]
E. The person received an honorable discharge or a certificate of honorable service from the Armed Forces.   [PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (NEW).]
For purposes of this subsection, "Armed Forces" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard; and the Merchant Marines only for the period of December 7, 1941 to August 16, 1945.
[PL 2013, c. 281, §1 (AMD).]
7.  Applicability of requirements.
This section applies to the granting of diplomas to secondary school students beginning January 1, 2019.
[PL 2017, c. 466, §8 (AMD).]
8.  Repeal.
[PL 2017, c. 466, §9 (RP).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1983, c. 859, §§C5,C7 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 230 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 716, §7 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 85, §1 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 454, §§23,24 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 545, §6 (REV). PL 2005, c. 446, §2 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 662, §A9 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 451, §2 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 313, §§14-17 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 25, §1 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 294, §1 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 669, §6 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 686, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 176, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 244, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 281, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 318, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 439, §3 (AMD). PL 2017, c. 466, §§8, 9 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 202, §1 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 571, §§6-10 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 247, §1 (AMD).