Code of Maine Rules › 05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION › 071 - EDUCATION - GENERAL › Chapter 128 - TRUANTS AND DROPOUTS GUIDELINES › Section 071-128-13 - Developing Alternative Programs

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The legislation encourages school units to establish
				  alternative programs for dropouts and chronic (habitual) truants. Although the
				  word "encouraged" is used, the primary intent of the legislation is to provide
				  school units with the authority to establish programs for the identified
				  pupils.
When developing alternative programs, local school officials
				  should give consideration to the following questions:
A. Do the programs provide for academic and
				non-academic pursuits in accordance with the needs of the individual
				student"
B. Do the programs include
				that which is necessary for meeting curriculum and graduation requirements
				provided by statute or local board policy"
C. Do the programs provide adequate
				instructional time equivalent to that required for regular school
				programs"
D. Are adequate
				instructional materials provided"
E. Can the programs be evaluated in terms of
				meeting stated objectives" Alternative programs may be developed and conducted
				under the direction of local school officials and may become operative within
				present school facilities during the regular school day. Likewise, alternative
				programs may be operated under the direction of local school officials outside
				the regular school facilities and school day. Regardless of which approach is
				followed, criteria should be developed to determine pupil eligibility for
				participation in these programs. A description of locally developed alternative
				programs is to be filed with this Department and the reporting process can be
				accomplished by using the data collection form.
It is possible that alternative programs may already exist or
				  could be developed completely apart from local school jurisdiction. These
				  programs could be operated by private individuals, groups, or agencies. If
				  programs operated outside the school by private individuals, groups, or
				  agencies seem appropriate in meeting the needs of the pupil, criteria for the
				  programs should be developed by the local school officials and they should
				  serve as a guide for the local approval of these programs. Such criteria should
				  include the following:
1. The
				instruction is provided by qualified individuals. The qualifications might be
				evidenced by a valid teaching credential, a valid license (trade, etc.) in the
				area of content being presented, or expertise gained through long experience in
				the content of the specific program (adult education programs).
2. The quality of instruction is equivalent
				to that provided in the regular public school.
3. The facilities housing the program meet
				all fire safety, health, and sanitation standards.
4. The program is designed to provide
				adequate instructional time to meet its stated objectives.
5. There is provision for program evaluation.
				Any alternative programs developed under this legislation shall be submitted to
				the local school board for approval.