State leaders in Maine have implemented a number of policies to support local efforts to transform high schools. This work dates back to 2012, when the state became the first in the nation to require students to show proficiency in eight core areas in order to earn a diploma, rather than just meeting seat time requirements. The new policy drew from the experiences of local school districts exploring student-centered, competency-based learning models. Graduation requirements were amended once again five years later. Some aspects of the original system were restored, but certain features of the new policy, including seat time flexibility, were preserved.

In addition to these efforts, the state’s Aspirations Program provides students with early college opportunities through dual or concurrent enrollment in college-level courses at Maine institutions of higher education. The program provides participating students who successfully complete a dual enrollment course with credit towards both their high school diploma and an associate’s or baccalaureate-level degree.

To further advance this work, state leaders could explore opportunities for a statewide initiative with dedicated resources to incentivize community-led high school redesign.