Resolve, To Establish a Maine State High School Diploma

Sec. 1. Department of Education, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to establish a Maine state high school diploma. Resolved: That the Department of Education, in consultation with the State Board of Education, shall develop a Maine state high school diploma designed to ensure consistency of academic standards for high school graduates. The department shall define the criteria for the Maine state high school diploma, which must include a statewide exam that is defined, proctored and graded at the state level and overseen by the Department of Education while still respecting the role and value of local control. The Maine state high school diploma must be designed to be in addition to a high school diploma awarded by a secondary school.

Sec. 2. Reporting date established. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall report its findings and recommendations with respect to the Maine state high school diploma developed pursuant to section 1, including recommended changes to the law needed to implement the Maine state high school diploma, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs no later than January 15, 2020. After receipt and review of the report, the joint standing committee may report out legislation regarding the implementation of the Maine state high school diploma to the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Education, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to develop a Maine state high school diploma and report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on its findings and recommendations no later than January 15, 2020.