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
+ 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
NDRule Adoption 12/2003P-12Definitions/Certificate of Completion/Standards/Process
67-11-14-00.1, -01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -07
Establishes rules regarding definitions, certificate of completion required, issuing agency, certificate of completion standards, verificati...

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ORTemporary Rule Adoption 12/2003P-12Limited Teaching License
584-060-0171
Amends rules concerning a limited teaching license. Removes the requirement of passing the Basic Skills Test for renewal of the Limited Teac...

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DERule Adoption 11/2003P-12Teacher Certification
14 DAC 321 thru 1542 (non-seq)
Establishes rules concerning the requirements for standard certificates for educational personnel. Amends existing requirements for standard...

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SCRule Adoption 11/2003P-12Credential Classification
R. 43-53
Amends rules relating to teacher credential classification. Clarifies the types of educator credentials and aligns state regulation with rel...

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SDRule Adoption 10/2003P-12Renewal Hours/College Transcripted Hours/Applicant
24:15:03:06
Establishes rules requiring that a minimum of three of the six renewal hours be college transcripted hours and that all six hours be related...

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ALRule Adoption 09/2003P-12Teacher Certification/Teacher Education
AAC 290-3-2, -3
Establishes rules regarding the changes including the addition of wording to address THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001. Changes the name ...

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CASigned into law 09/2003P-12Teacher Evaluation
A.B. 954
Authorizes the evaluation and assessment at least every 5 years of personnel with permanent status who have been employed at least 10 years ...

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NMRule Adoption 09/2003P-12Continuing Licensure for Licensed Educators in New Mexico
6.60 et seq NMAC
Establishes a 3-level licensure system for New Mexico's teachers and establishes the HOUSSE (High Objective Uniform State System of Evaluati...

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NVRule Adoption 09/2003P-12Endorsements for Teaching Exceptional Pupils
NAC 391.350, .356, .360, .378
Modifies rules governing endorsements for teaching exceptional pupils. Changes from three years to one year of experience in teaching except...

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NVRule Adoption 09/2003P-12Governing Licensure/Endorsement/Educational Personnel
NAC 391.010, .056, .1301, .392, .156
Adds a new section: The Commission on Professional Standards in Education determines that a person has obtained "full state certification" ...

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NVRule Adoption 08/2003P-12Tests of Competency
NAC 391.036
Amends exemptions for tests of competency required for initial license. NEVADA REG 3211 (SN)...

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OKEmergency Rule Adoption 08/2003P-12Teacher Preparation Teacher Assessment
OAC 712:10-7-1
Establishes emergency rules concerning the Teacher Preparation Act. Develops and administers a competency-based system of teacher assessment...

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ORTemporary Rule Adoption 08/2003P-12Qualified Teachers
OAR 584-100-0001 thru 584-100-0110
Establishes temporary rules relating to the requirements and procedures for highly qualified teachers under the No Child Left Behind Act. Ne...

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SDAdopted 08/2003P-12Licensure Exams for Teachers
24:15:01:01, :02:08, :03:01, :03:02, :03:06, :03:07, :03:11, :04:01; 24:16:05:03, :05:05; 24:41:01:01 to :03:01,
Establishes rules requiring that the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission and the Professional Administrators Practices ...

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WAEmergency Rule Adoption 08/2003P-12Professional Certificate Program
WAC 180-78A-505, -535
Amends rules to allow teacher candidates to provide a letter to their employing school district to be admitted to the professional certifica...

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WAEmergency Rule Adoption 08/2003P-12Endorsement Related Assignments
WAC 180-82-105
Amends rules to establish a list of endorsement related assignments and to allow a school district to assign a teacher to an endorsement rel...

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CAVetoed 07/2003P-12Teachers' State Basic Skills Proficiency Test
S.B. 45
Exempts from the basic skills proficiency requirement for hiring by a school district, a retired certificated employee who has taught 15 yea...

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HIVetoed 07/2003P-12Out-of-field Teachers
S.B. 1237
Defines "teaching out-of-field" as teaching outside the authorized licensing field indicated on an individual's license and "out-of-field te...

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ILEmergency Rule Adoption 07/2003P-12Teacher Certification
23 IAC 25.11, .20, .30, .40, .80, 92
Establishes rules assuring Illinois school districts that individuals they hire will be considered highly qualified under the federal No Chi...

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LASigned into law 07/2003P-12Teach Louisiana First Program
H.B. 1923
Creates the Teach Louisiana First Program to reduce the shortage of teachers certified to teach certain subjects in public schools designate...

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NHBecame law without governor's signature 07/2003P-12Highly Qualified Teachers
H.B. 139 (Section 193-G:1)
Defines "Highly qualified teacher" as a person who is certified by the local school board and who has demonstrated, through a process approv...

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NYEmergency Rule Adoption 07/2003P-12Modified Temporary Licenses for Classroom Teaching
NYCRR 8 80-5.10
Repeals rules eliminating the current provision for the issuance of temporary licenses. Adds a new rule establishing requirements for the is...

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RISigned into law 07/2003P-12Testing for Certification
S.B. 595
Provides that (a) No person who obtained an initial certificate prior to January 8, 2002 shall be barred from certification under this chapt...

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RISigned into law 07/2003P-12Teacher Assistants
H.B. 5825, S.B. 415
Amends the requirements for being a teacher's assistant. If hired after January 8, 2002 and providing an instructional service, staff must h...

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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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CTSigned into law 06/2003P-12Teacher Certification
S.B. 1093 § 2
Requires teachers to achieve a satisfactory evaluation on a professional knowledge clinical assessment no later than the end of the second y...

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FLRule Adoption 06/2003P-12Teacher Certification
FAC 6A-4.028
The current model for certification in physical education is replaced by a new comprehensive, grades K-12, physical education certification ...

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FLRule Adoption 06/2003P-12Teacher Certification
FAC 6A-4.0323
A new certification subject area in general science was approved by the State Board of Education to be effective July 1, 2003. Leadership of...

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FLRule Adoption 06/2003P-12Teacher Certification
FAC 6A-4.0332
The current model of social science certification is replaced by a new comprehensive social science certification effective July 1, 2003. Th...

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MOSigned into law 06/2003P-12Rules For Classifying Public Schools
S.B. 296 (multiple provisions)
Requires rules for classifying public schools to be in place for two years prior to implementation; specifies that this condition does not a...

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NVSigned into law 06/2003P-12Regional Training Programs
S.B. 210
Revises provisions governing the regional training programs for the professional development of teachers and administrators and the Statewid...

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NVSigned into law 06/2003P-12Teaching Quality Components
S.B. 1 (Omnibus Bill)
Revises provisions governing the qualifications required of certain teachers in core academic content areas, and for paraprofessionals in Ti...

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TXto governor 06/2003P-12High Quality Teachers
S.B. 1108 (Section 21.005)
Amends Sec. 21.005. HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS. Allows the commissioner to establish by rule a statewide standard to be used to certify each sc...

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WAEmergency Rule Adoption 06/2003P-12Assignment of Teachers
WAC 180-28-105
Amends rules establishing a list of endorsement- related assignments and allows a district to assign a teacher to an endorsement related are...

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NDSigned into law 05/2003P-12Teacher Qualifications (Elementary, Middle School, High School)
H.B. 1489
Adds new section: 15.1-18 to address elementary and secondary teacher qualifications. Elementary teachers 1. Must be licensed to teach by t...

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NVTemporary Rule Adoption 05/2003P-12English as a Second Language
NAC 391.237, 391.242
Sets forth provisions governing provisional 1-year endorsements to teach English as a second language and to teach program of bilingual educ...

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OHRule Adoption 05/2003P-12Licensure
OAC 3301-24-05
New definition states that a highly qualified teacher is one who holds at least a bachelor's degree and has full state certification through...

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ORRule Adoption 05/2003P-12Emergency Teacher Licenses
OAR 584-005-0005, 584-017-0150, 584-060-0071, 584- 065-0050 584-060-0210
Establishes emergency license, not to exceed one year, when a school district demonstrates extenuating circumstances that merit the issuance...

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TNSigned into law 05/2003P-12Qualified Teachers
S.B. 1627
Requires the state board of education, with the assistance of the commissioner of education, to study and determine the key academic teachin...

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TXSigned into law 05/2003P-12Educator Certification
H.B. 1022
Amends Sec. 21.0031. (a) An employee's probationary, continuing, or term contract under this chapter is void if the employee: (1) doe...

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WAEmergency Rule Adoption 05/2003P-12Professional Certificate Program
WAC 180-78A-505
Establishes emergency rules allowing candidates full admission to the professional certificate program, prior to completion of a provisional...

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WVRule Adoption 05/2003P-12
Postsec.
Approval of Educational Personnel
Title 126, Series 114
Provides rules relating to the approval of educational personnel preparation programs. WEST VIRGINIA REG 4244 (SN)
§126-114 Outlines the fra...

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AZSigned by Governor 04/2003P-12Classroom Performance; Teacher Reemployment
S.B. 1330
Provides that the governing board of a school district shall develop a definition of inadequacy of classroom performance relating to the boa...

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NDSigned into law 04/2003P-12Professional Development Expenditures
H.B. 1296
Before October 1 of each year, districts must report a separate list of the professional development activities in which the district partic...

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TNRule Adoption 04/2003P-12Teacher Education and Licensure
TAC 0520-2-3-.01, -.21
Amends rules relating to licensure, general requirements and effective dates regarding teacher education and licensure. http://www.state.t...

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WAEmergency Rule Adoption 04/2003P-12Competency Based Endorsement Programs
WAC 180-82A-206, -215
Establishes emergency rules to revise the procedures by which college/universities will seek approval for their competency-based endorsement...

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ARSigned into law 03/2003P-12Teacher licensure
H.B. 1512
Allows the state board of education to waive examination requirements for individuals seeking an Arkansas teaching license who have an out o...

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KYAdopted 03/2003P-12Written Examination Prerequisites/Teacher Certification
16 KAR 6:010
Establishes rules regarding the written examination prerequisites for teacher certification, including the required tests, the minimum accep...

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NMSigned into law 03/2003P-12
Postsec.
Teacher Preparation Section
H.B. 212 (Omnibus Bill)
Amends Section 22-2-2 (Z)(BB and CC) to require the state board to approve education curricula and programs
offered in all two-year public ...

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NMSigned into law 03/2003P-12Professional Development Section
H.B. 212 (Omnibus Bill)
Amends Section 22-2-2 (Z)(AA) to add guidelines for developing extensive professional development activities for districts that: (a) improve...

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NMSigned into law 03/2003P-12Accountability, Evaluation of Personnel
H.B. 212 (Omnibus Bill)
Adds Section 22-10A-19. Requires state board to adopt criteria an minimum highly objective uniform statewide standards of evaluation for th...

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NMSigned into law 03/2003P-12Educational Requirements for Licensure
H.B. 212 (Omnibus Bill)
Amends Section 22-10A-6 to require the state board to set requirements that provide a reasonable period of time for teachers to comply with ...

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NMSigned into law 03/2003P-12Licensing
H.B. 212 (Omnibus Bill)
Adds Section 22-10A-3. Requires any person teaching, supervising an instructional program, providing instructional support services, admini...

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UTSigned into law 03/2003P-12School Personnel
S.B. 154 (Omnibus Bill)
Section 53A-3-411 prohibits local boards from entering into a collective bargaining agreement that prohibits or limits individual contracts ...

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NMRule Adoption 02/2003P-12Guidelines for Implementing Bilingual Education Program
6.32.2, 6.63.6, 6.64.12
Implements rules regarding primary and secondary education, education standards, Bilingual Multicultural and Language Revitalization program...

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NMAdopted 02/2003P-12Competency Testing for Licensure, Substandard Licensure
NMAC 6.60.5, 6.61.9
For alternative licensure, candidates must pass New Mexico teacher assessments (or similar state assessments). Elementary candidates must h...

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PAAdopted 02/2003P-12Standards for Education
Sections 403.2; Sections 403.4 and 403.5
The standards proposed by the department and approved by the state board affirm the use of flexibility in the current certification system a...

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TXAdopted 01/2003P-12Student Services and Reading Specialist Certificates
19 TAC 239.90 thru 239.95
Proposes rules related to the reading specialist certificate and student services certificates. Specifies the rules for general provisions f...

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TXAdopted 01/2003P-12Categories of Classroom Teaching Certificates
19 TAC 233.2 thru 233.8
Amends rules relating to the generalist certificates for teaching in early childhood programs through grade 4 or in grades 4-8. Relates to c...

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TXAdopted 01/2003P-12Continuing Education, Particularly for Reading Specialists
19 TAC 232.851
Amends rules relating to the number of required continuing professional education hours by classes of certificates. Requires holders of the ...

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TXAdopted 01/2003P-12Assignment of Public School Personnel
19 TAC 230.601
Amends rules relating to the assignment of public school personnel certified by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Ensures t...

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+ 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