Bill > LD1098

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for abbreviated school days in educational settings, particularly focusing on students with disabilities. An "abbreviated school day" is defined as any day when a student attends school or receives educational services for less time than their grade-level peers, including tutoring services. The bill mandates that school administrative units can only place a student in an abbreviated school day program (defined as 10 or more cumulative days in a school year) after meeting specific criteria: the decision must be based on the student's individual medical or behavioral health needs and documented in official plans like individualized education plans or medical management plans. Schools must provide written documentation explaining how the student will meet learning standards, detailing educational service hours, and describing strategies to help the student return to a full school day. Parental or foster parent informed written consent is required, and parents must be explicitly informed of their child's right to the same instructional hours as other students and their ability to withdraw consent at any time. The bill prohibits implementing abbreviated school days due to resource limitations and requires schools to restore full-day access within 5 school days of parental objection. Notably, the bill excludes students removed from school through disciplinary procedures, and it is designed to take effect immediately due to concerns about students falling behind academically.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1098&snum=132