Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §5022, sub-§2, ¶¶C and D, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 610, §1, are amended to read:

C. Requests for transfer credit for equivalent instruction completed at nonapproved private schools, at private schools that elect not to meet requirements under section 2901 or through other equivalent instruction programs must be evaluated on the merits of the documentation provided. The principal and guidance staff shall conduct these evaluations on request by the student or the student's parent or guardian. The principal may direct that the student undergo a test or tests to assist in making a determination relative to the awarding of credit under this paragraph.

D. Awarding of a high school diploma by the local school is conditioned upon the student's demonstration of having satisfied all course credit or and other requirements established by the local school board. The local board of directors may establish resident credit requirements as a precondition for the awarding of a local school unit diploma.

SUMMARY

This bill makes the law regarding transfer of credit for equivalent instruction at nonapproved private schools consistent with earned credit for homeschool instruction by adding the authority for a principal to require student testing before transferring credit for equivalent instruction. The bill also predicates award of a high school diploma on a student's satisfying both course credit and other requirements set by a local school board.