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c. 5. Include the State definition, as defined in law, for not attending school and attending school as specified in WIOA Section 129(a)(1)(B)(i) and Section 129(a)(1)(C)(i). If State law does not define “not attending school” or “attending school,” indicate that is the case and provide the state policy for determining whether a youth is attending or not attending school.

Current Narrative:

(5) Include the State definition, as defined in law, for not attending school and attending school as specified in WIOA Section 129(a)(1)(B)(i) and Section 129(a)(1)(C)(i). If State law does not define “not attending school” or “attending school,” indicate that is the case.

Alternative Education

At the federal level, an alternative school is defined as a public secondary school that addresses needs of students that typically cannot be met in a regular school, provides nontraditional education, serves as an adjunct to a regular school, or falls outside the categories of regular, special, or vocational education. As of September 2014, Maryland offers 89 alternative education programs in 22 of the State’s 24 local school systems. Of these programs, most target students with behavioral issues, students who were in contact with law enforcement, and/or students who were having academic difficulties, as evidenced by low grades or being behind grade level. Many also target students with attendance problems. Additional information on alternative education can be found in the following ICF International report dated September 2014: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/midatlantic/pdf/REL_2014038.pdf

Attending School and Not Attending School

While Maryland law does not define “attending school” and “not attending school,” it does provide guidance on who is within the age of compulsory school attendance. Effective July 1, 2017, each child who resides in Maryland and is five years old or older and under 18 shall attend a public school regularly during the entire school year, unless the child is otherwise exempted due to attainment of a high school diploma or GED®; is receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age or has completed such instruction; is married; is active military; attends an alternate education program; or is within any other exemptions listed in Education Article, §7-301, Annotated Code of Maryland.