Code of Maine Rules
05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
071 - EDUCATION - GENERAL
Chapter 127 - INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM, ASSESSMENT, AND DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
Section 071-127-6 - Middle School Course of Study

A. Each school board operating a middle school shall adopt a curriculum aligned with the content standards of the system of Learning Results in the 5-8 grade span. Each school administrative unit shall determine the instructional methods and educational materials needed to give each student the opportunity to meet the content standards of the system of Learning Results. This may include an extended school day or school year for students who need more than the minimum time established in Me. Dept of Ed. Reg. 125 to meet the content standards of the system of Learning Results.

B. The required content areas for each middle school student shall include five content areas of the system of Learning Results as follows: English Language Arts, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Social Studies.

C. The Comprehensive Education Plan developed by the school administrative unit in accordance with Me. Dept. of Ed. Reg. 125 shall address the implementation of Career Preparation, Modern and Classical Languages, and Visual and Performing Arts. Effective September 2006 the local curriculum shall include these content areas for all students contingent upon funding of Essential Programs and Services or its equivalent.

D. Each content area of the system of Learning Results is defined by the standards and performance indicators in Me. Dept. of Ed. Reg. 131.

NOTE: Until such time as the content list for Health Education is included in Me. Dept. of Ed. Reg. 131, health education shall continue to include instruction in community health, consumer health, environmental health, family life, growth and development, nutritional health, personal health including mental and emotional health, prevention and control of disease and disorders, safety and accident prevention, and substance use and abuse, including the effects of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

A. The school board of each school administrative unit operating a middle school shall adopt a policy to govern decisions to promote or retain a student based on information concerning that student from the Local Assessment System and other indicators determined by the school board.

B. For students who transfer into a middle school from another state or an educational program that is not required to meet the standards of the system of Learning Results, the principal of the receiving school shall determine the value of the prior educational experience in order to make placement decisions.