Climate, Culture, & Resilience
Alternative Education in Maine provides flexible, student-centered learning environments for students who may not thrive in traditional school settings. These programs meet the same academic expectations as all Maine public schools, as defined by the Maine System of Learning Results, while using flexible, innovative, and responsive approaches to remove barriers to learning. Alternative Education supports students’ academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary readiness by fostering positive relationships, building on students’ strengths, and engaging students through relevant curricula, experiential and project-based learning, and collaboration among schools, families, and community partners.
What is Alternative Education in Maine
Under 20-A MRS §1-B, Alternative Education is defined as:
“a program in which the primary purpose is to provide at-risk students with curricula and assessment in a setting designed to effectively meet the student’s academic, social, and relational needs.”
Alternative education programs offer pathways that support students in remaining enrolled and engaged in school while accessing instruction and supports delivered through responsive and innovative program models.
Alternative education is a general education option and is not a special education placement or a behavioral intervention program.
News & Updates
Who Can Access Alternative Education?
Across Maine, School Administrative Units can identify students in their communities who may benefit from alternative education programs. Under 20-A MRS §2-A, a student may be identified based on experiencing one or more of the following educational circumstances:
- Not currently meeting grade promotion or graduation requirements
- Experiencing interruptions in engagement or attendance, including chronic absenteeism
- Facing barriers that affect consistent participation in school
- Experiencing economic challenges, including eligibility for the National School Lunch Program
Many educators and programs use the term “at-promise” to emphasize students’ potential and capacity for success when provided with appropriate supports and opportunities.
Alternative Learning Environments
Under 20-A MRS §1-C Alternative Education learning environments may include, but are not limited to:
- Small class sizes
- Flexible scheduling and instructional needs
- Relevant, engaging, and culturally responsive curricula
- Experiential and project-based learning opportunities
- Social-emotional and relationship-based supports
- Collaboration among schools, families, and community organizations
These environments are designed to build on students’ strengths and talents.
Alternative Education Program Structure & Requirements
School administrative units (SAUs) may establish alternative education programs as part of their elementary or secondary offerings.
Under 20-A MRS §4729, Alternative Education may include, but is not limited to:
- Alignment with Maine’s System of Learning Results (§6209)
- May allow students to attend on a part-time basis
- May operate outside the traditional school day or calendar
- May enroll students in alternative programs outside their SAU with superintendent approval
Educator Certification
Educator Certification
Alternative Education Teacher Certification
(Under rulemaking – Chapter 115)
- Teachers in established Alternative Education programs must hold at least one valid Maine teacher certificate
- Certification requirements apply to educators employed by SAUs in alternative education settings
Statutory Resources
Key statutes governing alternative education in Maine include:
- 20-A MRS §1-B, §1-C, §2-A – Definitions
- 20-A MRS §1461-B Alternative education structure
- 20-A MRS §4729 Alternative education programs
- 20-A MRS §5104-A Programs outside the SAU
- 20-A MRS Chapter 211 Attendance, truancy, dropouts
- 20-A MRS §6209 Maine System of Learning Results
- 20-A MRS §4722 High School Diploma Standards
Resources
Alternative Education Associations
- Alternative Education Association of Maine (AEA) (Maine's professional community)
- National Alternative Education Association (National professional community)
- National Dropout Prevention Center (Evidence-based tools)
Social Emotional Learning
- Maine DOE Social Emotional Learning(SEL resources)
- Maine DOE Trauma-Informed Practices (Trauma-informed resources)
Career Exploration Opportunities
- Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (Career exploration resources and professional development)
- Maine Apprenticeship Program (Paid on-the-job training and learning for 16+)
- Maine Career Exploration Program(Paid career exploration for 16-24)
Experiential Learning
- Climate Education (Climate learning and resources)
- Outdoor Education (Nature-based learning programs and resources)
- Association for Experiential Learning (National professional community)
Secondary School Diploma
- Diploma Pathways (Graduation guidance)
- Educational Disruption Diploma(Support for disrupted learners)
Highly Mobile Populations
- Maine DOE Highly Mobile Populations(Resources for mobile students)
- Maine McKinney-Vento Education(Resources for students experiencing homelessness)
- Foster Care & Educational Stability (Resources for students in foster care)
- Maine Migrant Education Program(Resources for migrant students)
- Military Families(Resources for military students)
Teacher Certification
- Maine DOE Teacher Certification (Resources for certification)
Contact
Daniel Weeks
Student Success and Wellbeing Specialist
Email: Daniel.R.Weeks@maine.gov