An Act To Prepare All Students for Work and Life by Requiring That Students Receive Instruction in Vocational Preparation and Practical Life Skills

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §1, sub-§46  is enacted to read:

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §4711,  as amended by PL 2009, c. 313, §11, is further amended to read:

§ 4711. Elementary course of study

The basic course of study for the elementary schools must provide for the instruction of all students in career vocational preparation and education development practical life skills, English language arts, world languages, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and visual and performing arts, as described in the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule specified in section 6209.

Sec. 3. 20-A MRSA §4712,  as enacted by PL 2009, c. 313, §12, is amended to read:

§ 4712. Junior high school or middle school course of study

The basic course of study for the junior high schools or middle schools must provide for the instruction of all students in career vocational preparation and education development practical life skills, English language arts, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, visual and performing arts and world languages, as described in the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule specified in section 6209.

Sec. 4. 20-A MRSA §4721, sub-§1,  as enacted by PL 2009, c. 313, §13, is amended to read:

Sec. 5. 20-A MRSA §6209, first ¶,  as amended by PL 2015, c. 489, §3, is further amended to read:

The department in consultation with the state board shall establish and implement a comprehensive, statewide system of learning results, which may include a core of standards in English language arts and mathematics for kindergarten to grade 12 established in common with the other states, as set forth in this section and in department rules implementing this section and other curricular requirements. The department must establish accountability standards at all grade levels in the areas of mathematics; reading; and science and technology. The department shall establish parameters for essential instruction in English language arts; mathematics; science and technology; social studies; career vocational preparation and education development practical life skills; visual and performing arts; health, physical education and wellness; and world languages. Only a public school, a public charter school as defined in section 2401, subsection 9 or a private school approved for tuition purposes that enrolls at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous school year's October and April average enrollment, is required to participate in the system of learning results set forth in this section and in department rules implementing this section and other curricular requirements. The commissioner shall develop accommodation provisions for instances where course content conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of a student's parent or guardian. The system must be adapted to accommodate children with disabilities as defined in section 7001, subsection 1-B.

Sec. 6. 20-A MRSA §6209, sub-§2, ¶A,  as amended by PL 2007, c. 259, §5, is further amended to read:

summary

This bill changes the requirement in the system of learning results from "career and education development" to "vocational preparation and practical life skills." The bill defines "vocational preparation and practical life skills" to mean experiential instruction of students, regardless of career choice or pathway, that develops their understanding of interests, aptitudes and options related to work and study; develops core workplace skills in areas such as planning, communication, problem solving, teamwork and computer applications; and includes practical workplace and home economics experiences that maximize learning through hands-on application.