§ 20-A §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.
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:
2-A.
Implementation of multiple pathways and opportunities.
2-B.
Policy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7.
Applicability of requirements.
This section applies to the granting of diplomas to secondary school students beginning January 1, 2019.
8.
Repeal.

Legislative 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).