Topics:

TOPIC: History of Public Law 451
TOPIC: Education Disruption
TOPIC: School Work Recognition Plan
TOPIC: Academic Waiver
TOPIC: Sending/ Receiving School Responsibilities
TOPIC: A Maine Department of Education Diploma
TOPIC: Family Support

TOPIC: History of Public Law 451

How Did Public Law 451 Become Legislation? Powerpoint presentation

Public Law 451 came about as information related to Maine youth who were not involved in education or work soared. Governor Baldacci appointed a Task Force to review what was happening that was influencing students to become disengaged. Additionally, the Task Force was asked to identify practices or propose legislation that would help reduce the number of youth who become disengaged. There were parents, youth, educators, advocates and members representing youth-serving agencies and organizations on the Task Force.

Topic: Education Disruption

Criteria for Education Disruption Word document

Education Disruption has some very specific criteria. To find out if your child qualifies for supports under this law, please review the checklist of criteria above.

Topic: School Work Recognition Plan

School Work Recognition Plan Information Word document

This is a written plan that is initiated upon the interim placement of a student who experiences education disruption. The School Work Recognition Plan has some very specific requirements for the sending school and receiving school to follow.  Students and family members are to be involved in the development of the plan.  There are very specific timelines, and information that is to be shared among all of the parties. 

TOPIC: Academic Waiver

Academic Waiver Word document

An Academic Waiver is an agreement between the sending and receiving schools. This agreement has some specific requirements and provides for acceptance by the sending school of the work successfully completed by the student at the receiving school.

TOPIC: Sending/ Receiving School Responsibilities

Sending/Receiving School Responsibilities Word document

There are very specific responsibilities and time frames to which both sending and receiving schools must attend. As a family member, you should be aware of these, and follow-up with the schools to ensure that the required tasks are completed and that your child's academic program remains on track.

TOPIC: A Maine Department of Education Diploma

A Maine Department of Education Diploma Word document

The Maine Department of Education Diploma Form Word document

A Maine Department of Education Diploma is an alternate pathway for students to demonstrate that they have met the Maine Learning Results and the State of Maine High School Graduation Requirements. This Diploma is equivalent to any diploma awarded at any Maine Public High School.

There are very specific requirements a student must address in order to be awarded a Maine Department of Education Diploma. These requirements are outlined in the attachment above. As a family member supporting a child, you should learn as much about the process as possible. Make sure your child meets the criteria, deadlines, and filing requirements throughout the process. If you have questions, please call Shelley Reed at the Department of Education at (207) 624-6637. You can make a big difference as you support your child through this process.

TOPIC: Family Support

Check List for Families: Sending/Receiving School Word document

Check List for Families: Maine Department of Education Diploma Word document

First, know that you are not alone in wanting your child to have the support and education needed to successfully complete a high school education; Second, learn about the responsibilities of both the sending and receiving schools and follow-up with them to make sure they are meeting their obligations. Third, if you, the student, or the school determines the young adult child should apply for a Maine Department of Education Diploma support them as they provide evidence of their learning to the State Review Team.