ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2004 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 2004. 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--School Improvement
+ Adult Basic Education
+ Assessment
+ Assessment--Accommodations
+ Assessment--Computer Based
+ Assessment--End-of-Course
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ Assessment--High Stakes/Competency
+ Assessment--NAEP (NAEP Results and NAEP Organization)
+ Assessment--Performance Based/Portfolio
+ Assessment--Value Added
+ 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--Charter Districts
+ 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--Excusal
+ Curriculum--Family Living Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--International Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Multicultural
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Education Research
+ Equity
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--Aid to Private Schools
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Equity
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Local Foundations/Funds
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ 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--Nutrition
+ Health--School Based Clinics or School Nurses
+ Health--Suicide Prevention
+ Health--Teen Pregnancy
+ High School
+ High School--Advanced Placement
+ High School--Dual/Concurrent Enrollment
+ High School--Exit Exams
+ High School--GED (General Education Development)
+ High School--Graduation Requirements
+ High School--International Baccalaureate
+ Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning
+ Instructional Approaches--Tracking/Ability Grouping
+ 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
+ Middle School
+ 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--Reauthorization Issues/Waivers
+ 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 Brain Development
+ P-3 Child Care
+ P-3 Content Standards and Assessment
+ 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--Teaching Assistants
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Tenure
+ Postsecondary Finance
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges
+ Postsecondary Institutions--For-Profit/Proprietary
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
+ Postsecondary Participation--Access
+ Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements
+ Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action
+ Postsecondary Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Rural
+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Extended Day Programs
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Summer School
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year Round
+ School Safety
+ School Safety--Bullying Prevention/Conflict Resolution
+ School Safety--Code of Conduct
+ School Safety--Expulsion/Suspension
+ School Safety--No Child Left Behind--Safe Schools
+ School Safety--Sexual Harassment and Assault
+ 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--School Size
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Shared Services
- School/District Structure/Operations--Transportation
GAAdopted 11/2004P-12Adopt-A-School Bus Pilot Project
GAC 391-3-21-.10
Submits a grant regarding the Georgia Adopt-A-School Bus Pilot Project and the Clean School Bus USA Grant....

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ILTotal Veto Stands. 11/2004P-12Speed Limits for School Buses
S.B. 2374
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides for maximum speed limits for vehicles of specified weights and school buses inside and outside ur...

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MASigned into law 11/2004P-12Governor Amendment of Supplemental Budget Section 30
H.B. 5083
Contains the text of a Governor amendment of Section 30 of the House bill numbered 5076 which relates to state reimbursement for school tran...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Drivers' Certificates: Medical Examination
A.B. 1812
Relates to existing law which requires applicants for an original or renewal certificate to drive a schoolbus, school pupil activity bus, yo...

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CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Transportation: Wireless Telephone
A.B. 2785
Makes it an infraction to drive a schoolbus or a transit vehicle while using a wireless telephone. Provides that this prohibition does not
a...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Home-to-School Transportation
A.B. 1253
Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to examine home-to-school transportation funding formulas and determine how current formul...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Home-School Transportation
A.B. 2462
Authorizes, commencing with the 2006-07 fiscal year, home-to-school transportation programs to receive a state funding increase in lieu of a...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Air Pollution: Schoolbus Idling at Schools
A.B. 2644
Codifies regulations adopted by the State Air Resources Board that establish toxic control measures to limit schoolbus idling and idling at ...

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CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Motor Vehicles: Commercial
A.B. 3049
Requires person operating a schoolbus to possess a valid commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement and be
issued a schoolbus ...

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DERule Adoption 09/2004P-12School Transportation
14 DAC, Section 1105, 1.0 - 22.7
Amends regulation by adding a new section that includes the responsibilities of non-public, non- profit schools for the administration of th...

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MOEmergency Rule Adoption 09/2004P-12School Bus Inspection
11 CSR 50-2.320
Adds rules regarding the inspection of frames on school buses. Specifies out-of-service criteria in buses in need of repair. MISSOURI REG 15...

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NYSigned into law 09/2004P-12School District Transportation Laws
S.B. 4772
Provides that the transportation of pupils by a school district in child safety zones shall be considered regular aidable transportation; el...

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NYSigned into law 09/2004P-12Safe Routes to School Program
A.B. 10057
Relates to establishing the safe routes to school program by the Department of Transportation; provides that money provided by the federal g...

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ILSigned into law 08/2004Community College
Postsec.
Transit Ridership: Low-Income Student Access
H.B. 2587
Adds to the list of programs to be funded with the West Central Transit District. Provides for routes, vehicle purchase and Community Colleg...

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DESigned into law 07/2004P-12Cell Phone Use by School Bus Drivers
S.B. 174
Prohibits school bus drivers from talking on cell phones while operating school buses while the vehicle is in motion and transporting one or...

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MISigned into law 07/2004P-12Signal Light Requirements
H.B. 5969
Amends the Pupil Transportation Act to revise the number and color of signal lights on school buses; requires compliance with federal and st...

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MTRule Adoption 07/2004P-12School Finance and Transportation
ARM 10.7.101,.109 thru .111,.115,.118;10.10.202,.309,.316, .320, .611, .614; 10.15.101; 10.20.102, .106; 10.21.101B thru .102E (non-seq),10.22.102 thru .30.403 (non-seq)
Establishes rules relating to school finance and transportation. MONTANA REG 4551 (SN)...

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ARRule Adoption 06/2004P-12Specifications Governing School Bus Design
ADE 175
Establishes rules regarding the specifications governing school bus design. http://arkedu.state.ar.us/pdf/ade%20175%20school%20bus%20specs.p...

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COBecame law without GOVERNOR'S signature. 06/2004P-12Safe Routes To School
H.B. 1309
Concerns the creation of A Safe Routes to School Program; directs the Department of Transportation to distribute federal funds to local gove...

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DESigned into law 06/2004P-12School Bus Drivers: Communication Devices
H.B. 379
Clarifies that school bus drivers can use a radio or telephonic communication device to make or receive calls for assistance. http://www.leg...

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LASigned into law 06/2004P-12School Buses
H.B. 384
Provides relative to the use of visual stop indicator signals on school buses; includes requirements regarding when a school bus, which is n...

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GASigned into law 05/2004P-12Safety on School Buses
H.B. 1179
Relates to elementary and secondary schools, so as to provide that the offense of disrupting the operation of a public school applies to dis...

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MOTo governor 05/2004P-12School District Emergency Preparedness
H.B. 1070
Allows for the adoption of emergency preparedness plans for the use during natural disasters or other community emergencies by school distri...

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TNSigned into law 05/2004P-12School Transport Seatbelt
H.J.R. 953
Creates a special joint committee to study the need to require the use of seatbelts in all vehicles used to transport school children in Ten...

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IDSigned into law 04/2004P-12Charter Schools
S.B. 1443
Adds to and amends existing law relating to the public charter schools to provide transportation reimbursement for public virtual schools; c...

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KYSigned into law 04/2004P-12School Bus Standards
S.B. 124
Amends KRS 156.153 to require that school bus standards and specifications be set by the Kentucky Department of Education rather than by the...

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MDSigned into law 04/2004P-12School Bus Safety Enforcement Fund
H.B. 97
Alters the date by which the Secretary of State Police is required to report to the Governor and General Assembly on the status of the Schoo...

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MDSigned into law 04/2004P-12Operation of School Vehicles
H.B. 356
Authorizes specified school vehicles to be operated for a specified amount of time; providing that school vehicles operating under a certain...

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MSSigned into law 04/2004P-12Bus Driver Compensation
H.B. 1177
Relates to the State Board of Education; authorizes compensation for certain school bus drivers for expenses incurred when acquiring an init...

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IDSigned into law 03/2004P-12School Transportation
S.B. 1331
Amends existing law to provide for the State Board of Education's power and duty to authorize the supervisor of school transportation to con...

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IDSigned into law 03/2004P-12Transportation Safety Awareness License Plates
S.B. 1311
Adds to and amends existing law to establish the Idaho School Transportation Safety Awareness license plate program; and to create the Pupil...

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IDSigned into law 03/2004P-12School Transportation
S.B. 1344
Amends existing law relating to pupil transportation to provide that the current pupil transportation model contract developed by the State ...

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INSigned into law 03/2004P-12Special Purpose School Buses
H.B. 1253
Allows a school corporation to use special purpose buses to provide regular transportation of school children from their residences to schoo...

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ILSigned into law 02/2004P-12Transportation Costs
H.B. 763
Allows reimbursement for allowable direct costs of transporting pupils for regular, vocational and special education. Relates to reimburseme...

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SDAdopted, On November 2004 Ballot 02/2004P-12Provision of Certain Services to All Children
HJR 1003/Constitutional Amendment B
Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election amendments to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of South D...

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+ 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--Homeless Education
+ Special Populations--Military
+ Standards
+ Standards--Implementation
+ State Comparisons/Statistics
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ State Policymaking--Ballot Questions
+ State Policymaking--Constitutional Clauses
+ 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
+ Technology
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Teacher/Faculty Training
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Urban