The Department shall provide a comprehensive education program for youth in DJS residential facilities to meet the public school standards set forth in COMAR 13A.01.04. The Program consists of instruction to allow students to achieve credit requirements and assessments necessary to progress towards the standards for graduation from a public high school in Maryland consistent with the requirements of COMAR 13A.03.02. The Program prepares students to successfully obtain a Maryland High School Diploma by examination. The Juvenile Services Educational Program is a local education agency as defined by 20 U.S.C. §7801(26) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and public agency as defined by COMAR 13A.05.01.03B(59).