ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2003 State Policies / Activities

Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 • www.ecs.org

The following summary includes policies enacted in 2003. This database is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States (ECS). Most entries are legislative, although rules/regulations and executive orders that make substantive changes are included. Every effort is made to collect the latest available version of policies; in some instances, recent changes might not be reflected. For expediency purposes minimal attention has been paid to style (capitalization, punctuation) and format. To view the documents, click on the blue triangle next to the topic of interest. To view all, press the button located at the top labeled "Expand All."

Please cite use of the database as: Education Commission of the States (ECS) State Policy Database, retrieved [date].

State Status/Date Level Summary
+ Accountability
+ Accountability--Accreditation
+ Accountability--Measures/Indicators
+ Accountability--Reporting Results
+ Accountability--Rewards
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Drive
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--Takeovers
+ Accountability--School Improvement
+ Adult Basic Education
+ Assessment
+ Assessment--Accommodations
+ Assessment--End-of-Course
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ Assessment--High Stakes/Competency
+ Assessment--NAEP (NAEP Results and NAEP Organization)
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Alternative Education
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Drugs/Alcohol
+ Attendance
+ Attendance--Compulsory
+ Attendance--Statutory Ages (Upper and Lower)
+ Attendance--Truancy
+ Background Checks
+ Bilingual/ESL
+ Business Involvement
+ Career/Technical Education
+ Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Closings
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Cyber Charters
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Finance
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Research
+ Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment
+ Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Alignment
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Environmental Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--International Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Multicultural
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Demographics
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Equity
+ Federal
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Equity
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Litigation
+ Finance--Local Foundations/Funds
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ Finance--Performance Funding
+ Finance--Private Giving
+ Finance--Resource Efficiency
+ Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures
+ Finance--Student Fees
+ Finance--Taxes/Revenues
+ Finance--Taxes/Revenues--Alternative Revenues
+ Governance
+ Governance--Deregulation/Waivers/Home Rule
+ Governance--Ethics/Conflict of Interest
+ Governance--School Boards
+ Governance--School Boards--Training
+ Governance--Site-Based Management
+ Governance--State Boards/Chiefs/Agencies
+ Health
+ Health--Child Abuse
+ Health--School Based Clinics or School Nurses
+ Health--Suicide Prevention
+ Health--Teen Pregnancy
+ High School
+ High School--Advanced Placement
+ High School--College Readiness
+ High School--Dual/Concurrent Enrollment
+ High School--Exit Exams
+ High School--GED (General Education Development)
+ High School--Graduation Requirements
+ Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Homework/Study Skills
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ Leadership
+ Leadership--District Superintendent
+ Leadership--District Superintendent--Compensation and Diversified Pay
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Certification and Licensure
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Compensation and Diversified Pay
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Evaluation and Effectiveness
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Preparation
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Recruitment and Retention
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--African American
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--Hispanic
+ No Child Left Behind
+ No Child Left Behind--Adequate Yearly Progress
+ No Child Left Behind--Assessment
+ No Child Left Behind--Choice/Transfer
+ No Child Left Behind--Consequences for Schools
+ No Child Left Behind--Finance
+ No Child Left Behind--Parent Involvement
+ No Child Left Behind--Report Cards
+ No Child Left Behind--School Support
+ No Child Left Behind--Supplemental Services
+ Online Learning--Digital/Blended Learning
+ Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses
+ P-16 or P-20
- P-3
OKEmergency Rule Adoption 11/2003P-12Mathematics Instruction Competencies
OAC 210:20-9-172
Specifies that early childhood education includes pre-kindergarten-third grade. Expands on the competencies for teaching mathematics that te...

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CASigned into law 10/2003P-12Family Day Care Homes
A.B. 529
Revises existing law that provides for the licensure of family day care homes including large and small day care homes under certain conditi...

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LAEmergency Rule Adoption 10/2003P-12Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment
LAC 50:XV.Chapter 81
Establishes emergency rules concerning early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment program early intervention services for infants...

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CASigned into law 09/2003P-12Child Care Facilities Revolving Fund
A.B. 1668
Specifies a school district or county office of education that provides childcare pursuant to the California School Age Families Education (...

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ILSigned into law 08/2003P-12Summer Kindergarten
S.B. 903
Allows a school board to establish, maintain, and operate a summer kindergarten program for grade one readiness. Provides the summer kinderg...

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MISigned into law 08/2003P-12School Readiness Program Procedures
H.B. 4391 (multiple provisions)
Sec. 703. (1) The funds appropriated in part 1 for school readiness programs shall be made available through a competitive application proce...

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MISigned into law 08/2003P-12Family Resource Center Curriculum Blue Ribbon Study Committee
H.B. 4401 (multiple provisions)
Sec. 107a. (1) The family resource center curriculum blue ribbon study committee is established to explore and make
recommendations on imple...

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FLSigned into law 07/2003P-12Early Education and Child Care
S.B. 1318
Stipulates that children age 3 years to school entry who are enrolled in a licensed early education and child care program as a result of be...

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ILSigned into law 07/2003P-12Early Childhood Education Block Grant
H.B. 2235
Provides that 11% (instead of 8%) of the Early Childhood Education Block Grant shall be used to fund programs for children ages 0-3. http://...

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ILSigned into law 07/2003P-12Early Learning Council Act
S.B. 565
Creates the Illinois Early Learning Council Act. Establishes the Illinois Early Learning Council to coordinate existing state programs and s...

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NCSigned into law 07/2003P-12Interagency Coordinating Council
H.B. 932
Establishes regional interagency coordinating councils under the laws relating to early intervention services for children from birth to fiv...

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CTSigned into law 06/2003P-12Funding to Promote Children's Well-being
S.B. 886
Requires the State Prevention Council to determine long-term goals, strategies and outcome measures to promote the health and well being of ...

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CTSigned into law 06/2003P-12No Child Left Behind Act
S.B. 1155
Requires testing in compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act; states an elementary teaching endorsement is valid for kindergarten to gra...

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DESigned into law 06/2003P-12Professional Incentive Programs
S.B. 68
Relates to the Christa McAuliffe Scholarship Program for loan forgiveness to encourage academically talented residents to pursue teaching ca...

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DESigned into law 06/2003P-12Early Childhood Education Programs
H.J.R. 9
Creates a task force to examine early childhood education programs; develops a plan for implementation of universal pre-kindergarten and ful...

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FLSigned into law 06/2003P-12Child Care
S.B. 2446
Revises inservice training requirements for child care personnel; requires training in early literacy and language development; requires ann...

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FLSigned into law 06/2003P-12Voluntary Universal Prekindergarten Education
S.B. 1334
Implements specified provisions of State Constitution; creates voluntary universal prekindergarten education program; limits
application of ...

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HISigned into law 06/2003P-12Commission on Fatherhood
S.B. 1423
Establishes the Commission on Fatherhood within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to provide for a statewide program, on a permanent and...

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MESigned into law 06/2003P-12Educators for Maine Program
H.P. 985 (LD 1340)
Amends the Educators for Maine Program; provides financial assistance for postsecondary education to undergraduate students or students purs...

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MOSigned into law 06/2003P-12
Postsec.
Distribution of the Gaming Commission Fund
H.B. 444
Alters the distribution of Gaming Commission Fund; provides funds for veterans facilities, the National Guard College Trust, early childhood...

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ORSigned into law 06/2003P-12Special Education
S.B. 127
Deletes requirement that individualized family service plan for child receiving early childhood special education be reviewed every six mont...

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ORSigned into law 06/2003P-12Employment Department
H.B. 2191
Includes Employment Department in development of voluntary statewide early childhood system; involves local child care resource and referral...

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ORRule Adoption 06/2003P-12Renewal of Authorization for Specialists
OAR 581-015-1105, -1106
Amends rules to streamline the process of renewal of authorization for early childhood specialists and early childhood supervisors within th...

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TXSigned into law 06/2003P-12Subsidized Childcare Provisions
S.B. 76
Adds prekindergarten or after school child care programs to the provision governing subsidized childcare services....

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COPartial veto 05/2003P-12Financing of Public Schools
S.B. 248
Concerns the procedures for the funding of public schools, including adjustments to the district size factor, minimum per pupil funding, at-...

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MDVetoed 05/2003P-12Early Childhood Education
H.B. 635
Authorizes early childhood educational and developmental programs to enter specified agreements to promote early childhood educational progr...

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MEResolve No. 05/2003P-12Uniform Fire Code Standards
H.P. 808 (LD 1105)
Applies uniform fire code standards to preschool facilities located in public schools regardless of whether they are a child care center or ...

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TNSigned into law 05/2003P-12Young At-Risk Students
S.B. 1975
Revises the criteria for determining at-risk children for pre-school and early learning programs from those "who live below the poverty line...

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ARSigned into law 04/2003P-12Better Chance Program
H.B. 2402
Expands the Arkansas Better Chance Program; allows any licensed early childhood program with early childhood accreditation by the Department...

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ARSigned into law 04/2003P-12The Better Chance for School Success Program
H.B. 2376
Creates the Better Chance for School Success Program to provide early education for low-income, 3- and 4-year-old children in low-performing...

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KSSigned into law 04/2003P-12Preschool Programs
S.B. 82
Authorizes local boards to (1) enter into cooperative or interlocal agreements with one or more other boards for the establishment, operatio...

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MSSigned into law 04/2003P-12Statewide Prekindergarten/School Readiness Program Assessment
S.B. 2636
Establishes oversight committee to assess all prekindergarten or school readiness programs run by any public or private school or Head Start...

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NDSigned into law 04/2003P-12Teacher Qualifications (Early Childhood and Kindergarten)
H.B. 1489
Requires the state board to issue major equivalency endorsements and minor equivalency endorsements (new requirement). Also adds new requir...

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NMSigned into law 04/2003P-12Head Start Programs Funding
H.B. 658
Requires that certain state funds for Head Start programs be used to contract and subcontract with private and nonprofit programs that meet ...

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NMPocket Veto by GOVERNOR. 04/2003P-12Head Start Programs
S.B. 572
Requires that certain state funds for head start programs be used for collaboration with private and nonprofit providers....

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OKSigned into law 04/2003P-12Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Act
H.B. 1094
Creates the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Act; states intent, purposes, and goals; creates the Oklahoma Partnership for School R...

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SCBecame law without GOVERNOR'S signature. 04/2003P-12Program Readiness Test
H.B. 3870
(Joint Resolution)The CSAB was administered for the last time in fall 2001. The Education Accountability Act of 1998 (EAA) required the deve...

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SCBecame law without GOVERNOR'S signature. 04/2003P-12Kindergarten Objectives
H.B. 3869
(Joint Resolution) Approves regulations of the Board of Education; relates to basic skills assessment programs kindergarten objectives....

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ARSigned into law 03/2003P-12Skills Needed for Children Entering Kindergarten
H.B. 1951
Requires the department of education to develop a list of skills that child should have in order to be prepared to enter kindergarten. The d...

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KYAdopted 03/2003P-12Probationary Certificate/Teachers of Children
16 KAR 2:140
Allows that if no certified early childhood education teacher is available, the superintendent may ask that a one-year probationary interdis...

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KYAdopted 03/2003P-12Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Teacher Certificate
16 KAR 2:040
Establishes rules regarding the professional certificate for interdisciplinary early childhood education, birth to primary, the teacher stan...

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MSSigned into law 03/2003P-12Cost-Benefit Analysis of Pre-Kindergarten, Mandatory Kindergarten and Occupational Diplomas
H.B. 859
Requires the department of education to conduct a needs assessment to determine what areas do not currently have pre-kindergarten programs, ...

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NMto governor 03/2003P-12Early Care Study
H.J.M. 12
House Joint Memorial 12 requests that the Interagency Coordinating Group (ICG) study the
alignment of early care education programs in New M...

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KYEmergency Rule Adoption 01/2003P-12Kentucky Early Intervention Program Coverage and Payment
911 KAR 2:200E
Establishes emergency rules pertaining to coverage and payment for Kentucky Early Intervention Program services. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/...

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KYAdopted 01/2003P-12Coverage/Payment/Kentucky Early Intervention Program
911 KAR 2:200
Establishes rules regarding the provisions relating to early intervention services for which payment shall be made on behalf of eligible rec...

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WVAdopted 01/2003P-12Universal Access to Pre-Kindergarten System STATE ID: 126-28
Title 126, Series 28
Provides rules relating to West Virginia's universal access to the state's Pre-Kindergarten System. WEST VIRGINIA REG 4202 (SN)...

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+ P-3 Child Care
+ P-3 Early Intervention (0-3)
+ P-3 Ensuring Quality
+ P-3 Family Involvement
+ P-3 Finance
+ P-3 Governance
+ P-3 Grades 1-3
+ P-3 Kindergarten
+ P-3 Kindergarten--Full-Day Kindergarten
+ P-3 Preschool
+ P-3 Teaching Quality/Professional Development
+ Parent/Family
+ Parent/Family--Parent Rights
+ Postsecondary
+ Postsecondary Accountability
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Accreditation
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Diploma Mills
+ Postsecondary Affordability--Financial Aid
+ Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees
+ Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Prepd/College Savings Plans
+ Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Undocumented Immigrants
+ Postsecondary Faculty
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Compensation
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Intellectual Property
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Tenure
+ Postsecondary Finance
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges
+ Postsecondary Institutions--For-Profit/Proprietary
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
+ Postsecondary Participation--Access
+ Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements
+ Postsecondary Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Public Involvement
+ Purposes of Public Education
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Day/Class Length
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Extended Day Programs
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Summer School
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Week
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year
+ School Safety
+ School Safety--Bullying Prevention/Conflict Resolution
+ School Safety--Expulsion/Suspension
+ School Safety--No Child Left Behind--Safe Schools
+ School Safety--Sexual Harassment and Assault
+ School Safety--Special Education
+ School/District Structure/Operations
+ School/District Structure/Operations--District Consolidation/Deconsolidation
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Facilities
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Food Service
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Libraries
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Personnel (Non-Teaching)
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Shared Services
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Transportation
+ Service-Learning
+ Special Education
+ Special Education--Federal Law/Regulations
+ Special Education--Finance
+ Special Education--Inclusion (Mainstreaming)
+ Special Education--Placement
+ Special Education--Transition
+ Special Populations--Corrections Education
+ Special Populations--Gifted and Talented
+ Special Populations--Homeless Education
+ Special Populations--Immigrant Education
+ Standards
+ Standards--Implementation
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ State Policymaking--Ballot Questions
+ State Policymaking--Politics
+ State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions
+ Student Achievement
+ Student Achievement--Closing the Achievement Gap
+ Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance
+ Student Supports--Mentoring/Tutoring
+ Student Supports--Remediation
+ Students
+ Students--Athletics/Extracurricular Activities
+ Students--Employment
+ Students--Mobility
+ Students--Records/Rights
+ Teaching Quality
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Alternative
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Assignment
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Highly Qualified Teachers
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Natl. Bd. for Prof. Teach. Stds.
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Special Education
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--State Prof. Standards Bds.
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Substitute Teachers
+ Teaching Quality--Compensation and Diversified Pay
+ Teaching Quality--Compensation and Diversified Pay--Pay-for-Performance
+ Teaching Quality--Compensation and Diversified Pay--Retirement/Benefits
+ Teaching Quality--Evaluation and Effectiveness
+ Teaching Quality--Induction Programs and Mentoring
+ Teaching Quality--Paraprofessionals
+ Teaching Quality--Preparation
+ Teaching Quality--Professional Development
+ Teaching Quality--Recruitment and Retention
+ Teaching Quality--Recruitment and Retention--At-Risk Schools
+ Teaching Quality--Teacher Rights
+ Teaching Quality--Tenure or Continuing Contract
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining--Strikes
+ Technology
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Internet Safety
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Urban--Governance