Educational Disruption

Occasionally, in spite of everyone’s best collaborative efforts and support, and due to circumstances beyond control, educational interruptions become a barrier to meeting local graduation requirements for a student.

Maine education statutes (MRS 20-A §257-A, sub-§1-A) make special provisions to a 4th-year secondary school student who is unable to obtain a locally awarded diploma due to a significant interruption of education if they can provide evidence that they have fulfilled the following minimum state requirements:

• English: Four (4) years or the equivalent in standards achievement
• Social Studies & History: Two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement, including American history, government, civics, and personal finance
• Mathematics: Two (2) years of the equivalent in standards achievement
• Science: Two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement, including one year of laboratory study
• Fine Arts: One (1) year or the equivalent in standard achievement 

Disruption Eligibility
"Education disruption" means disruption of the educational program of an elementary or secondary school student as a result of:

1. Homelessness, foster care placement or another housing disruption;
2. Absence for more than 10% of the school days in a school year due to unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to, placement in an interim program, unplanned hospitalization or serious medical condition;
3. Enrollment in 2 or more schools or educational programs during the student's secondary school education; or
4. The student's being an immigrant student or a migrant student.

Additionally, a student is eligible to apply for a Department of Education diploma if that student is a 4th year secondary school student and is unable to satisfy the requirements for a diploma from a school administrative unit because the student experienced a significant interruption to the student's education as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic and civil emergency.

Please note: The COVID-19 pandemic-related diploma was initially set to automatically expire on September 1, 2026 but has been extended indefinitely as a result of LD 628 "An Act Regarding Eligibility to Apply for a Department of Education Diploma".

Prior to Applying
It is critical when students experience an educational interruption, that everyone involved with the student is committed to keeping them on a pathway toward graduation. If you believe you, or a student in your care, is eligible to receive the Maine Department of Education Diploma you will need to complete the following prior to completing the application below. 

• Determine if you are able to meet the diploma requirements in your local school district. 
• If you are unable to meet the diploma requirements as outlined in your school district, have your transcripts reviewed by a school or district employee. Be sure to note the name and contact information of the individual. The school principal or school counselor for example would be able to assist. 
• The school or district employee when reviewing transcripts ensure courses completed meet the minimum requirements under 20-A MRS §4722.
• Have a letter drafted on school/district letterhead by the school or district verifying: 
  • you are unable to meet the diploma requirements in your local school district due to the applicable significant interruption of education
  • your transcripts demonstrate meeting the requirements under 20-A MRS §4722 for a Maine Department of Education Diploma
  • you have completed your 4th-year as a secondary school student

Applications
Application for a Maine Department of Education Diploma due to homelessness, foster care placement or other housing disruption, absence for more than 10% of the school days in a school year due to placement in a youth development center placement, unplanned hospitalization or serious medical condition; for students who attended more than 2 or more schools or educational programs during the student's secondary school education; and for immigrant or migrant students (as defined in statute):

• Maine Department of Education - Educational Disruption Diploma Application
• You may also consider filling out the Pre-Qualification Survey for Diploma if you believe one of the above-mentioned disruptions has occurred.
• Application for a Maine Department of Education Diploma due to the pandemic and civil emergency: Educational Interruption Diploma (COVID-19)

Documentation/Supporting Materials
Within the online application there is the ability to upload one file for supporting materials. Documentation includes a letter on school or district letterhead noting the student’s name, the cited disruption which has prevented the student from obtaining a locally awarded diploma, that they have completed at least 4 years of secondary school instruction, and that they have met the minimum state requirements. Additionally, transcripts are required for applications except for those citing the pandemic/civil emergency as the disruption.

Students enrolled at private secondary schools require additional documentation.