Parents rely on Maine's K-12 school system to educate their children and provide them with a foundation on which to build a bright career. While students will gain confidence, experience social growth, and achieve academic success during their time in middle and elementary school, they will also face challenges. Though adolescence presents obstacles for any student, some issues can happen at school, whether it's instances of misconduct, failure to progress academically, or a lack of necessary support services.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team understands that the above circumstances can place students at serious risk. Fortunately, our nationwide team can educate you and your child on the best steps forward relating to a school's disciplinary process, how academic progression is managed, and the process of obtaining reasonable accommodations. Student defense is our passion; call 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and the Lento Law Firm will contact you.
Maine Middle and Elementary Education Issues
To manage each grade's curriculum, the student environment, and all administrative functions, Maine middle and elementary schools adopt practices from statewide regulations, commonly laid out in a code of conduct or student handbook. Each school will adhere to its code when enforcing progression standards, academic integrity, access to educational accommodations, and managing misconduct.
The Maine Department of Education (MDE) tasks each school with developing methods of upholding its respective ethical code, including giving authority to discipline students. While the MDE explains that school administrators must "focus on positive and restorative interventions," that doesn't mean allegations of misconduct are treated with a soft touch. Schools often take a swift approach to discipline.
Maine Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
Maine middle and elementary schools must protect academic integrity to ensure students receive equal education. Part of a school's code of conduct will include what is prohibited in the learning environment that gives students an unfair advantage over their peers. One of the biggest concerns is that of plagiarism.
In its academic honesty policy, The Middle School of the Kennebunks states that "plagiarism may be unintentional; however, all students will be held accountable for violations." The school lists the following as situations that would constitute plagiarism or otherwise a breach of academic integrity:
- Copying from another's test during a test or examination.
- Quoting a source without proper citation.
- Electronic reproduction—audio, visual, verbal, and written media, whether published or unpublished—without proper acknowledgment.
- Submitting work for credit in more than one course unless approved beforehand.
If middle and elementary school students are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be punished, often with a suspension or expulsion. Yet, academic misconduct is just one of many potential violations a student may face at school.
Maine Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Charges
Schools must abide by the learning standards set by the MDE. But they also require schools to provide a safe learning place, which involves regulating student behavior on campus and at off-campus events. Schools throughout Maine may vary slightly on what they consider sanctionable behavior, but there are many commonalities. Middle and elementary schools within the Acton School System consider the following as behavioral misconduct:
- Absenteeism
- Bullying
- Cell phone use
- Dress code infractions
- Possessing weapons
- Possessing medication unless approved
- Stealing and vandalism
- Substance abuse
- Verbal or physical abuse
Under certain circumstances, the MDE grants schools the authority to remove students from the school property immediately. Emergency removals are at school officials' discretion; therefore, students can be hastily removed without the chance of due process. While they must be given an official hearing, it can leave parents worried about where to turn for help.
Maine Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
Middle and elementary school students will be disciplined for violating rules regulating academic integrity and behavioral standards, but they can also face trouble for not progressing through the curriculum quickly enough.
Maine's Orono Middle School explains that students who have "failed one or more classes at the end of a ranking period will be placed on academic probation." Academic probation at any Maine school often requires students to commit to one or more of the following stipulations:
- Tutoring
- Loss of athletic eligibility
- Ban from extracurricular activities
- Remedial classes
Students who are not performing well academically—like failing exams and standardized tests or not meeting credit hour thresholds—can be subject to discipline in the form of being held back.
Maine Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates a free, appropriate education for all students and the opportunity for reasonable accommodations, some students in Maine schools may face obstacles in obtaining them. For students with disabilities, schools must maintain an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines variations to the curriculum or school environment needed to support a student's success.
Maine aligns with federal law expansion in offering services to students with disabilities—like IEPs—until their 22nd birthday. However, accommodations are only given to a select number of qualifying disabilities like the following:
- Emotional or learning disabilities
- Physical impairments
- Speech, language, hearing, or visual impairments
- Other function-related disabilities
Sometimes, schools fail to recognize the potential for disabilities, leaving students without the help they need and are legally obliged to have. Not only can that hinder academic performance, but it can also cause behavioral problems that make students vulnerable to school discipline.
Maine Student Defense Services
If your child is facing challenges with their school, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team stands ready to navigate the situation by your side and ensure your child is given due process. They will advocate for your student's right to informal settlement discussions, fair hearings and appeals, reasonable accommodations, and equal access to education. The nationwide Lento Law Firm can also engage in discussions with school administrators and district supervisory staff, including the school's Office of General Counsel, to arrange alternative settlements before formal proceedings commence.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is available in every area of Maine, including each of the state's ten counties:
- Androscoggin County
- Aroostook County
- Cumberland County
- Franklin County
- Hancock County
- Kennebec County
- Knox County
- Lincoln County
- Oxford County
- Penobscot County
- Piscataquis County
- Sagadahoc County
- Somerset County
- Waldo County
- Washington County
- York County
No matter your location in Maine, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is available to help your middle or elementary school student gain their education accommodations and academic progression or defend against school discipline. Call 888-535-3686 or go online now.
