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
Until September 24, 2025, the following eligibility options and definitions will be in place.

1. Homelessness or foster care placement;
2. 10 consecutive absences or more due to unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to, placement in an interim program, unplanned hospitalization or serious medical condition;
3. Enrollment in 3 or more schools or educational programs in one academic year; or
4. The student's being an immigrant student or a migrant student

The following changes will take effect on September 24, 2025, "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". Legislative changes that extend this option will take effect on September 24, 2025. 

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

The following applications reflect current statutory language and should be used until September 24, 2025:

• Maine Department of Education - Educational Disruption Diploma Application
• Educational Interruption Diploma (COVID-19)

Following September 24, 2025, the application will be altered to include the applicable eligibility criteria:

Language to take effect on September 24, 2025: 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 (Unavailable at this time)
• Application for a Maine Department of Education Diploma due to the pandemic and civil emergency: Educational Interruption Diploma (COVID-19)  (Unavailable at this time)

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.

Publicly-funded students enrolled at private secondary schools require additional documentation.