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
+ 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
CAVetoed 09/2004Postsec.
Community College
Establishes the Joint Commission on Adult Education for the purpose of making recommendations regarding the coordination of adult education and noncredit community college programs in order to improve adult education services. Requires the joint commission to issue an interim and a final report. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_1401-1450/sb_1442_bill_20040825_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release/SB_1442_veto.pdf
Title: S.B. 1442
Source: StateNet

CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction, working with a consultant in early care and education, to develop recommendations for a master plan for infant and toddler care in consultation and collaboration with a task force established by the superintendent and comprised of prescribed members. The task force would be established only after the superintendent determines that sufficient funds from sources other
than the General Fund are committed to fully support the activities of the task force and the senior consultant. Specifies areas to be addressed by the recommendations; requires the recommendations resulting from the master plan process to be completed and submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2005; requires the superintendent to update the recommendations at least once every
5 years. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_1301-1350/sb_1343_bill_20040826_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes/SB_1343_veto.pdf
Title: S.B. 1343
Source: California Legislative Web site

CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Creates the Advisory Task Force for Education of Blind and Visually Impaired Pupils to provide input to formulate the most effective policy for the education of such pupils. Requires the Department of Education to provide outreach and technical assistance to parents, teachers, and administrators concerning issues relating to the instruction of visually impaired, blind, and deaf-blind pupils. Requires the department of education to establish a data system for submission and collection of data regarding services provided by local education agencies to such pupils. Requires contracts with test publishers for statewide tests to stipulate that the publishers will provide the test materials in formats accessible to pupils with visual disabilities.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_0651-0700/ab_662_bill_20040825_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes/AB_662_veto.pdf
Title: A.B. 662
Source: California Legislative Web site

ALIssued 08/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
The governor issued Executive Order No. 02-2003 on January 30, 2003, creating the Governor's Commission of Education Spending. The Commission was to engage in a thorough examination of how education dollars have been spent in Alabama during the past ten years. http://www.governorpress.state.al.us/pr/ex-02-2003-01-30.asp

The Highlights of the Initial Report focused on: (1) Management and Accountability Reforms for K-12; (2) Student Assessment and Accountability for K-12; (3) Management and Accountability Reforms for the Alabama College System; (4) Management and Accountability Reforms for University Governance; (4) Reforms in Terms of Public Employment; and (5) Education Trust Fund Accountability.

The Working-Group Sessions (December 2003) made the following proposals: (1) Achieve the maximum savings possible from non-state and non-education agencies; (2) Freeze the state appropriations to PEEHIP at the Fiscal 2004 level; (3) Allocate higher education cutbacks to institutions; and (4) Allocation K-12 education cutbacks to school systems. http://www.alabama.gov/onlineservices/egov_pdfs/ESCReport11404.pdf
Title: Executive Order No. 02-2003
Source: Alabama State Web site

ARReport Issued 08/2004Postsec.
Community College
The governor formed the committee to make recommendations to the governor and the Legislature for improving postsecondary education in Arkansas. http://www.arkansas.gov/governor/media/releases/press/11062003-1.html

The Blue Ribbon Committee for Higher Education released its report in June 2004. The recommendations covered three main areas with subpoints: (1) Governance - Arkansas needs an empowered authority over higher education; (2) Mission and Scope - Arkansas needs centralized coordination of their institutions; and (3) Finance - Arkansas needs coordinated funding to act as a proper incentive. http://www.arkansashighered.com/pdfs/BRC/Final%20BRCRpt.pdf
Title: N/A
Source: Arkansas State Web site

AZIssued 08/2004P-12Establishes the Arizona Teacher's Excellence Program Coordination Council (AzTEP Council) to solicit, review and approve applications for federal and private grants for recruiting and placing qualified teachers in underserved communities and to oversee the administration of grants to high-needs local education entities. Establishes council membership and reporting requirements. http://www.governor.state.az.us/eo/2004_20.pdf
Title: Executive Order 2004-20
Source: www.governor.state.az.us

GAActive 08/2004P-12The governor announced "The Quality Basic Education (QBE) Task Force in February 2004. The task force will look at realigning the school funding formula to ensure it serves all students in the new era of accountability. The task force is authorized under O.C.G.A. 20-2-161. http://www.gov.state.ga.us/press/2004/press369.shtml
Title: N/A
Source: Georgia State Web site

IAIssued 08/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Creates the IOWA LEARNS COUNCIL. The Iowa Learns Council shall work towards the ambitious goal of 90% of Iowa children having a quality pre-school experience, and 90% of Iowa high school graduates will go on to complete at least two years of college; shall promote, gather, and share information regarding Iowa's progress to ensure seamless pathways across education sectors and the workplace; shall identify the necessary steps to ensure that Iowans--from pre-school to graduate school--are supported by a well coordinated seamless system of learning and support to provide for successes from early childhood through higher education, and into the workforce in our communities.
http://www.state.ia.us/iowalearns/doc/eo30.html

Iowa Learns Council report with recommendations released August 11, 2004. http://www.state.ia.us/iowalearns/reports.html
Title: Executive Order No. 30 - 2003
Source: Iowa State Web site

HIBecame law without governor's signature 07/2004Postsec.Establishes the higher education statutory analysis interim study group to determine an improved organizational framework for higher education statutes and recommend statutes that may be consolidated, amended, or repealed. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb2716_cd1_.htm
Title: S.B. 2716
Source: Hawaii Legislative Web site

AZIssued 06/2004P-12Creates the Arizona Statewide Youth Development Task Force to provide policy recommendations relating to youth and youth development issues in the state of Arizona to the Governor's Office for Children, Youth and Families. Establishes membership. Requires the task force to advise the governor through (1) the creation of of policy work groups on matters such as positive youth development, youth workforce development, education and youth voice and advocacy; (2) the development of more and better opportunities for positive use of time,
positive use of self-expression, civic engagement and participation for youth in the state; (3) the coordination of services for Arizona's youth with community-based, faith-based, city, state and local youth-serving agencies and organizations; and (4) the ongoing review of proposed federal and state legislation and existing laws relating to youth and youth development.
http://www.governor.state.az.us/eo/2004_14.pdf
Title: Executive Order 2004-14
Source: www.governor.state.az.us

COVetoed 06/2004P-12Creates a High School Commission to assess the quality of education provided in the state's public high schools and to make recommendations to school districts and the general assembly by December 31, 2004. The commission should address at least the following issues: whether Colorado high school graduates are ready for postsecondary education and employment and strategies to help districts improve readiness; focusing and clarifying high school graduation requirements and expectations; improving high school students' achievement levels; the effectiveness and availability of enrollment option including choice, charter school and educational voucher programs; and the existing data systems to measure the quality of high school education, student outcomes and student growth. The commission should consider local commissions recommendations and avoid duplication of local commissions' reform recommendations.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics2004a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/FCF5FBA591D5C19887256E1A0063628F?open&file=1283_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1283
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

COSigned into law 06/2004P-12Changes the name of the Child Care Commission to the Early Childhood and School Readiness Commission; modifying the responsibilities of the commission. http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics2004a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/64CD1EC1E0B64CA787256DB0004CB158?Open&file=1277_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1277
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

HISigned into law 06/2004P-12Requires a study of the feasibility of establishing a host culture charter school district and a charter school district in order to solidify existing host culture focused charter schools, increase charter school autonomy, and provide opportunities for additional federal funding. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb3148_cd1_.htm
Title: S.B. 3148
Source: Hawaii Legislative Web site

COSigned into law 05/2004Community College
Postsec.
Enacts recommendations of governor's task force on the community college system; reduction of the system office's administrative costs by 35% and use of saved funds to finance recommendations including installation of a systemwide information technology system; restructuring of the distance learning system for all community colleges; limiting institutional research to the colleges; conducting a comprehensive review of career and technical education administrative costs. Any additional monies available because of reduced administrative costs should be used for classroom instruction and to support colleges. Develop a master plan for the use or sale of property at the Lowry Campus except for property used by the Community College of Aurora or by the Community College of Denver. Nothing in the law should prohibit allowing a charter school to be located or cause the displacement of a charter school located at the Lowry Campus prior to the development of the master plan. Proceeds from the Lowry property are to be used for system capital development projects. Required reports. http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics2004a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/DDDD429D87C8711187256DC5005770B7?Open&file=1086_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1086
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

GASigned into law 05/2004P-12Creates the Improvement of Georgia's Pre-K Program Joint Study Commission; report due December 31, 2004. http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/fulltext/sr760.htm
Title: S.R. 760
Source: Georgia Legislative Web site

NCActive 05/2004P-12The governor formed the Education First Task Force, charged with coming up with recommendations that would result in an education that goes far beyond "sound and basic" and one that would make North Carolina schools the envy of the nation.

The Education First Force was charged with the dual task of: (1) Ensuring that every student entering North Carolina schools graduate with an education enabling them to further their education successfully at two or four-year colleges and universities or enter the job market or military. (2) The Governor is challenging the Task Force to frame recommendations that would result in an education that goes far beyond "sound and basic." Instead, the Governor envisions a system of schooling that would result in an education that is superior and competitive, one that would make North Carolina schools the envy of the nation.

The Task Force has divided its workload into three sub-committees: Committee One: The Hallmarks of Excellence; Committee Two: The Strategic Use of Resources; and Committee Three: Preparing Graduates of North Carolina Schools. See below for details of sub-committees. http://www.governor.state.nc.us/Office/Education/eftf_overview.asp
Title: N/A
Source: North Carolina State Web site

DESigned into law 04/2004P-12Extends a reporting date for the Task Force examining early childhood education programs as established by House Joint Resolution No. 9, as amended. http://www.legis.state.de.us/Legislature.nsf/fsLIS?openframeset&Frame=Main&Src=/LIS/LIS142.NSF/Home?Openform
Title: H.J.R. 19
Source: Delaware Legislative web site

ARSigned into law 02/2004P-12Creates the Division of Public School Accountability and the Arkansas Public Schools Accountability Advisory Council; creates the Division of Public School Academic Facilities to ensure equal access to adequate educational facilities and educational equipment; requires realignment of the state department of education (not to be incorporated into Arkansas Code or published separately) and creates a task force to make recommendations on realignment; amends terms for state board of education. members.http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2003s2/public/HB1009.pdf
Title: H.B. 1009
Source: Arkansas Legislative Web site

ARVetoed 01/2004P-12Creates the advisory commission on math excellence to improve math education in Arkansas. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2003s2/public/HB1010.pdf
Title: H.B. 1010
Source: Arkansas Legislative Web site

ARSigned into law 01/2004P-12Makes the committee on closing the achievement gap in this state a commission. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2003s2/public/HB1054.pdf
Title: H.B. 1054
Source: Arkansas Legislative Web site

ARVetoed-House Override 01/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Creates the State Commission for Coordination of Educational Efforts for the purpose of improving coordination between and among all levels of education between pre-kindergarten and graduate level. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2003s2/public/HB1034.pdf
Title: H.B. 1034
Source: Arkansas Legislative Web site

VAIssued 01/2004Postsec.
Community College
The governor created the Governor's Commission on Higher Education Board Members. The Commission shall develop and implement a process for evaluating potential appointees to higher education governing boards based on substantive qualifications such as merit and experience. The Commission also shall make other recommendations to the Governor as may be appropriate. http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Executive_Orders/html/EO_63.html
Title: Executive Order 63 - 2004
Source: Virginia State Web site

+ 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