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
UTRule Adoption 12/2004P-12Amends rules concerning driver education programs for state schools. Reflects revision date change made to the Driver Education for Utah High Schools Manual. UTAH REG 27423 (SN)
Title: R277-746
Source: StateNet

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Provides that the satisfactory completion of a course in automobile driver education offered by a private secondary school satisfies the instructional requirements for a provisional driver's license for persons under 18 years of age if specified conditions are met. Existing law generally regulates driving schools and driving instructors. However, existing law provides, until a July 1, 2004, inoperative date, that those provisions are not to be construed to direct or restrict driver education courses offered by private secondary schools, or to require credentialed or certified instructors for courses offered by those private schools. Existing law repeals these provisions on January 1, 2005. This bill deletes the July 1, 2004, inoperative date and the January 1, 2005, repeal date, thereby continuing these provisions indefinitely. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_0501-0550/sb_524_bill_20040918_chaptered.pdf
Title: S.B. 524
Source: California Legislative Web site

CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Deems, for purposes of computing the average daily attendance generated by a pupil enrolled in a history or social science course required by a school district as a condition of receipt of a high school diploma, a pupil serving as a member of a precinct board for an election to be under the immediate supervision of the certificated teacher of the history or social science course. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_1901-1950/ab_1944_bill_20040824_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes/AB_1944_veto.pdf
Title: A.B. 1944
Source: California Legislative Web site

CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Permits a school district to include instruction on personal finance, including budgeting, savings and credit, in social sciences courses for students in grades 7 through 12. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2401-2450/ab_2435_bill_20040826_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes/AB_2435_veto.pdf
Title: A.B. 2435
Source: California Legislative Web site

CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Eliminates the requirement imposed on school district governing boards to include certain environmental education materials as part of the adopted instructions materials. Provides that a contribution to the Environmental Education Account will satisfy the requirement for an entity receiving a permit from a regional water quality control board or the State Water Resources Control Board to provide elementary and secondary public schools with storm water pollution educational materials. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_1651-1700/ab_1696_bill_20040825_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes/AB_1696_veto.pdf
Title: A.B. 1696
Source: California Legislative Web site

CAVetoed 09/2004P-12
Community College
Appropriates a specified amount of funds from the General Fund to the State Department of Education for the support of the Advancement Via Individual Determination Program. Makes these amounts applicable toward the minimum funding requirements for a school district and community college districts. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_3001-3050/ab_3017_bill_20040827_enrolled.pdf
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/vetoes/AB_3017_veto.pdf
Title: A.B. 3017
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Section 2: Repeals the requirement that pupils in American government and civics courses required for high school graduation read and be taught specified documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Gettysburg Address. Requires the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission to ensure that those documents are incorporated in the framework when the history-social science framework is revised. Requires the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure that an appropriate number of questions on the California Standards Tests relate to those documents if any portion of the California Standards Tests is revised. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2851-2900/ab_2855_bill_20040929_chaptered.pdf
Signing message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release/AB_2853_2855_2856_sign.pdf
Title: A.B. 2855 (multiple provisions)
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Requires schools initially applying to participate in the High Priority Schools Grant Program on or after the 2004–05 fiscal year to include highly qualified teachers and appropriately credentialed teachers for English learners in the component on quality of staff in
the school action plan. Specifies that the mandatory school action plan components on facilities, curriculum, instructional materials, and support services for those schools be on facilities in good repair, curriculum, sufficient instructional materials, and support services. Requires schools initially applying to participate in the High Priority Schools Grant Program on or after the 2004–05 fiscal year to measure the availability of instructional materials against a specified definition of ''sufficient instructional materials.'' http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_0501-0550/sb_550_bill_20040929_chaptered.pdf
Title: S.B. 550 (multiple provisions)
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12SEC. 18: Requires the governing board of every district to hold a public hearing and make a determination as to whether each pupil in each school in the district has sufficient textbooks or instructional materials in each subject that are consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum frameworks. Requires the hearing to be held at a time that will encourage the attendance of teachers and parents and guardians of pupils who attend the schools in the district and prohibits the hearing from taking place during or immediately following school hours. Defines ''sufficient textbooks or instructional materials'' to mean that each pupil, including English learners, has a textbook or instructional materials, or both, to use in class and to take home to complete required homework assignments but specifies that 2 sets of textbooks or instructional materials for each pupil are not required. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_0501-0550/sb_550_bill_20040929_chaptered.pdf
Title: S.B. 550 (multiple provisions)
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Provides that if any part of a school's instruction in health conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of a parent or guardian of a pupil, the pupil, upon the parent or guardian's written request, shall be excused from the part of the instruction that conflicts
with the religious training and beliefs. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2501-2550/ab_2525_bill_20040929_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 2525 (multiple provisions)
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Requires the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission to ensure that specified historical
documents are incorporated into the framework when the history-social science framework is revised. These documents are: (1) The Declaration of Independence; (2) The United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights; (3) The Federalist Papers; (4) The Emancipation Proclamation;
(5) The Gettysburg Address; and (6) George Washington's Farewell Address. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2501-2550/ab_2525_bill_20040929_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 2525 (multiple provisions)
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Requires a master contracts with nonpublic, nonsectarian schools for the provision of special education and related services to include that, with respect to a nonpublic, nonsectarian school that is associated with a licensed children's institution, there be a method of evaluating whether the school meets specified guidelines, and with respect to a nonpublic, nonsectarian school, the school be subject to the alternative accountability system of the Public School Performance Accountability Program in the same manner as public schools during the school's testing period, and each pupil placed in the school be tested in accordance with that accountability program, and the school prepare a school accountability report card. Requires the test results to be reported by the nonpublic, nonsectarian school to the State Department of Education.

Authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to certify a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency for a period of not longer than 18 months. Requires a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency to make notification of its intent to seek certification. Requires that only those nonpublic, nonsectarian schools and agencies that provide special education that utilize staff who hold a certificate, permit, or other document equivalent to that which staff in a public school would be required to hold may be certified.

Requires a nonpublic, nonsectarian school that provides special education and related services to an individual with exceptional needs to certify in writing to the Superintendent of Public Instruction that the school satisfies various requirements relating to, among others, access to standards-based curriculum and instructional materials, access to specific instruction and assistance, and a discipline policy. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_1851-1900/ab_1858_bill_20040930_chaptered.pdf
Signing message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release/AB_1858_sign.pdf
Title: A.B. 1858 (multiple provisions)
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

DERule Adoption 09/2004P-12Amends regulations relating to the requirements for a standard certificate for educational personnel. Changes are made to conform to changes in statute regarding licensure and certification of educators. Section is renumbered to reflect its movement to the Professional Standards section.
Title: 14 DAC, 331, 1566, 1.0 - 3.3.12
Source: StateNet

SDAdopted 09/2004P-12Eliminates requirement that evidence of completion of all required sections of the Dakota STEP assessment must appear on the student's transcript before graduation may be authorized and a signed diploma may be issued; Removes curriculum and special education directors from the administrative program group and places them in the school service program group; revises rules so they are content standards based and allows preparing institutions the flexibility to vary their courses to meet the content standards. SOUTH DAKOTA REG 4035 (SN)
Title: 24:14:04:12.01, 12.02; 15:06:33, 36; 03:06:06.05, 15:01:01; 16:01:01, 05:03; 06:01, 02, 03, 07:01; 16:07:01, 02, 03, 08:01 thru 58 (Non-Seq.), 09:03 thru 05, 10:06 and 07
Source: StateNet

NMRule Adoption 08/2004P-12Amends issuing agency and statutory references; requires that disciplinary records be included in the records of transferring students; requires elective courses meet PED standards; requires that accountability data system numbers be included in transcripts. NEW MEXICO REG 4162 (SN)
Title: NMAC 6.30.2.1, .3, .10
Source: StateNet

CAVetoed 07/2004P-12Encourages the instruction of World War II and the role of Filipinos in that war in social science instruction in grades 7 through 12, inclusive. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2501-2550/ab_2512_bill_20040624_enrolled.html
Veto message: http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release/AB_2512_Veto.pdf
Title: A.B. 2512
Source: California Legislative Web site

LASigned into law 07/2004P-12Relates to the physical activity and nutrition of students. Identifies childhood obesity as a growing problem in Louisiana. Identifies benefits of regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. States purposes of this section are: (1) To promote, encourage, and motivate children of all physical abilities to participate in physical activity for children to reach their full potential as individuals; (2) To promote physical activity and fitness in schools by encouraging innovative physical education programs that consist of physical exertion of a moderate to vigorous intensity level; (3) To promote improved nutritional levels in children by providing for snacks with higher nutritional value during the school day; (4) To inform children and their parents about the importance of physical activity and improved nutrition and the effects of both on positive outcomes. (5) To increase parental awareness of their children's activity and fitness levels. (6) To promote daily physical activity, the enjoyment of physical activity, the improvement of nutritional levels and eating habits and the development of lifelong patterns of physical activity.

Deletes existing provision that, beginning with the 2004-05 school year, schools serving children in grades K-6 provide at least thirty minutes of quality physical activity for students each school day. Replaces with provision that in 2004-05 school year, schools serving children in such grades provide at least thirty minutes of "quality moderate to vigorous" physical activity for students every school day. Requires every public elementary school to annually report to its local board on compliance with this provision. Also requires every local board to annually report to the state board on compliance with this provision. Requires suitably adapted physical activity to be included as part of the individual education plans for students with chronic health problems, other disabling conditions or other special needs that preclude participation in regular physical activity.

Encourages secondary school students not enrolled in a physical education course to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity commensurate with student ability for at least 30 minutes a day.

Requires various state agents, including the department of education and the department of health and hospitals, as well as the American Heart Association, to collaborate to develop an outreach and communication plan consisting of current information and research on health, nutrition and physical education and fitness issues. This plan must be disseminated to every local public school board and made available to parents and students.

Beginning with the 2004-05 school year, requires a public elementary or secondary school selected from each regional education service center region in the state to be annually identified for an outstanding program of physical activity implemented at the school. As funds are available, requires monetary awards to be given these outstanding schools.

Allows any public school serving students in grades 7, 8, 9 or 10 to apply to participate in a three-year pilot program to begin in the 2005-06 school year. Requires the state board to choose up to eight schools from each of the eight regional service districts to participate in the program, striving to achieve equal geographic distribution. Identifies areas of study: (1) An annual assessment that measures aspects of health-related fitness, rather than skill or agility, of the students in participating schools; (2) An assessment of the changes in weight status of the students who are enrolled in participating schools and who are receiving combined nutritional and physical activity intervention versus a nutritional intervention or physical activity intervention alone; and (3) The collection of individual baseline and longitudinal data to measure the improvement of each individual student. No assessment shall compare any student to another. Idenfities state entities required to collaborate to develop the elements of the pilot program and the recommendations for its implementation. Requires every school selected to participate in the program to provide a comprehensive report to the state board at the end of each school year on the effectiveness of the pilot program in accomplishing the pilot program objectives.

States that the pilot program established in this bill must in no way interfere with or replace any effort, purpose, assessment or program implemented by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/04RS/CVT7/OUT/0000LVUO.PDF
Title: S.B. 871
Source: www.legis.state.la.us

NDRule Adoption 07/2004P-12Establishes rules regarding initial licenses, distance learning instructor - definition - qualifications - licensure, two-year and five-year renewals, professional development for license renewal, multicultural education and native american studies, and reentry.
Title: NDAC 67.1-02-02-, -04, -05, -07, -09
Source: StateNet

RIBecame law without GOVERNOR'S signature. 07/2004P-12
Community College
Places driver education course requirements under the Board of Governors for Higher Education instead of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education. which substantially conform with the current curriculum utilized by the instructor(s) at the Community College of Rhode Island, including a minimum of three (3) hours of instruction focusing upon specific Rhode Island traffic laws, the specific requirements of the Rhode Island graduated licensing statute in section 31-10-6 and eight (8) hours specifically for instruction on the effects of alcohol and drugs on a driver. All driver's education programs shall include information concerning the Anatomical Gift Act chapter 18.6 of title 23, and information on donor cards pursuant to the applicable provisions of chapter 18.6 of title 23. The program does not offer outside the classroom road test instruction or driving lessons to Rhode Island students.
Title: H.B. 8665
Source: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/gen_assembly

RISigned into law 07/2004P-12Requires (a) The board of regents for elementary and secondary education to adopt a statewide curriculum in mathematics and English-language arts for students in grades 3-10 by May 1, 2005. (b) The curriculum adopted by the board of regents must:
(1) be aligned with state standards and assessments utilized by the state department of education; (2) contain sufficient detail to guide teachers in planning lessons aligned with state standards and assessments; and (3) be offered on a voluntary basis to school districts; provided, however, school districts shall not be required to utilize or implement such curriculum.
Title: H.B. 7714
Source: rilin.state.ri.us/gen_assembly/

RISigned into law 07/2004P-12Requires the Board of Regents for elementary and secondary education to select and/or develop a statewide curriculum in mathematics and English/Language arts in grades kindergarten (k) through twelve by August 31, 2006. The curriculum selected and/or developed by the board of regents must (1) be aligned with state standards and assessments utilized by the state department of education; and (2) contain sufficient detail to guide teachers in planning lessons aligned with state standards and assessments. The state commissioner is to convene an advisory committee in each area (math and English/language arts).
Title: S.B. 2672
Source: Rhode Island Legislative Web Site

AZSigned into law 06/2004P-12Provides an additional duty of incorporating instruction of Native American history into appropriate existing curricula; provides that the instruction curriculum for all schools shall include the history of Native Americans in Arizona. http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/46leg/2r/laws/0339.htm
Title: S.B. 1365
Source: Arizona Legislative Web site

COSigned by Governor 06/2004P-12Encourages each school district and charter school to adopt a financial literacy curriculum and to make successful completion of the program a graduation requirement. http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics2004a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/88DE0C519CF9551087256D790053005C?Open&file=1360_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1360
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

HISigned into law 06/2004P-12Establishes a Hawaiian language medium education program. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb2667_cd1_.htm
Title: H.B. 2667
Source: Hawaii Legislative web site

VTSigned into law 06/2004P-12The purpose of the act is to encourage wellness programs in Vermont public schools and in Vermont communities.  Wellness programs will be designed to encourage life-long patterns of healthy eating and regular physical exercise among Vermont citizens. Provides for physical activity programs and physical education programs; provides for nutrition education; provides for assistance to school districts on wellness; provides for a definition of nutritious foods. Requires the development of a model school fitness and nutrition policy. http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2004/acts/ACT161.HTM
Title: H.B. 272
Source: http://www.leg.state.vt.us

ALSigned into law 05/2004P-12Urges schools to provide instruction on healthy lifestyle choices including programs for physical education; urges restrictions on granting waivers for physical education. http://alisdb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLogin.asp
Title: S.J.R. 97
Source: Alabama Legislative Web site

COSigned into law 05/2004P-12Promotes "Colorado History Day" (NHD), a year-long academic enrichment program that engages students in grades six to twelve in the process of discovery and interpretation of historical topics. and making an appropriation to schools. http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics2004a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/CFD276C782F7232787256DDE00801172?Open&file=1202_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1202
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

COSigned into law 05/2004P-12Concerns limitations on education regarding manifestations of human sexuality. http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics2004a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/6B239FC2932F199287256E1A00062311?Open&file=1375_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1375
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

FLTo governor 05/2004P-12Creates the "Middle School Reform Act;" provides definitions; prescribes program criteria and content; provides a timeline for implementation; requires an academic performance study of middle grade students and schools with recommendations for increase in performance; requires school improvement plan to include rigorous reading requirement; provides for individual student plans; provides for additions to academic improvement plans; adds criteria to the assessment process for instructional personnel; requires DOE to conduct study on physical education in public schools; requires school districts to implement mandatory physical education under certain circumstances.
http://www.flsenate.gov/cgi-bin/view_page.pl?Tab=session&Submenu=1&FT=D&File=sb0354er.html&Directory=session/2004/Senate/bills/billtext/html/
Title: S.B. 354
Source: Florida Legislative Web site

IAVetoed 05/2004P-12Creates new section allowing driver's education to be provided by a teaching parent. Teaching parent must provide, among other requirements, thirty hours of classroom instruction, and four hours of classroom instruction concerning substance abuse. http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&hbill=HF2394
Title: H.F. 2394
Source: coolice.legis.state.ia.us

TNSigned into law 05/2004P-12Urges state board of education to study the inclusion of alcohol awareness and drug usage awareness in K-12 curriculums, including dangers of driving under the influence. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/HJR1006.pdf
Title: H.J.R. 1006
Source: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us

VASigned into law 05/2004P-12Relates to the Family Life Education Program in grades K through 12; provides additions to the curriculum include steps to take to avoid sexual assault, the availability of counseling and legal resources and, in the event of such sexual assault, the importance of immediate medical attention and advice, as well as the requirements of the law.
Title: H.B. 1015
Source: StateNet

AZSigned into law 04/2004P-12Allows high schools with driver education programs to educate students enrolled in the program about organ donation options. http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/46leg/2r/laws/0125.htm
Title: H.B. 2513
Source: Arizona Legislative Web site

COSigned into law 04/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Concerns the treatment of American Sign Language as a foreign language in education that counts toward graduation requirements. http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/olls/sl2004a/sl_74.htm
Title: H.B. 1037
Source: Colorado Legislative Web site

GAAdopted 04/2004P-12Clarifies rules regarding the list of state-funded K-8 school subjects and grades 9-12 courses. http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/_documents/doe/legalservices/160-4-2-.03.pdf
Title: GAC 160-4-2-.03
Source: Georgia State Web site

HISigned into law 04/2004P-12Designated April as "Financial Literacy for Youth" month. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb1898_hd1_.htm
Title: H.B. 1898
Source: Hawaii Legislative Web site

KYSigned into law 04/2004P-12Designates Millersburg Military Institute as the official Kentucky military school. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/RECORD/04RS/SJ83/bill.doc
Title: S.J.R. 83
Source: StateNet

PAIssued 04/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Creates the office of financial education, responsible for: (1) Coordinating financial education programs across agencies; (2) Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of financial education programs, materials and resources; (3) Providing support for the task force on working families; (4) Advising the governor and state agencies on financial education matters; (5) Representing the Commonwealth in developing partnerships with appropriate public and private financial education agencies; and (6) Performing other duties as assigned by the Governor or the Secretary of Banking. Creates the governor's task force for working families, defines responsibilities, membership and directs task force to issue report by March 1, 2005.
http://www.oa.state.pa.us/oac/cwp/view.asp?A=351&Q=185699
Title: Executive Order
Source: http://www.oa.state.pa.us/

UTRule Adoption 04/2004P-12Amends rules concerning elementary and secondary school core curriculum. Revises several middle and high school Core Curriculum requirements. UTAH REG 26902 (SN)
Title: R277-700
Source: StateNet

VASigned into law 04/2004P-12Creates new section requiring school divisions to provide students alternatives to student dissection of animals. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?041+ful+CHAP0918
Title: H.B. 1018
Source: StateNet

VASigned into law 04/2004P-12Requires local boards to incorporate art, music, and physical education as a part of the instructional program at the elementary school level, and to employ five elementary resource positions per 1,000 students in kindergarten through grade five for art, music, and physical education.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?041+ful+CHAP0955
Title: H.B. 1014
Source: leg1.state.va.us

VASigned into law 04/2004P-12Amends section 22.1-253.13:1 and 22.1-253.13:2 . Specifies that the Standards of Learning form the core of Virginia's educational program and other educational objectives. Specifies that the state board must, at a minimum, define Standards of Learning for English, mathematics, science, history and social science. Specifies that "communication" as included in the Standards of Learning comprises listening, speaking, reading and writing. To passage on public input on proposed revisions to the Standards of Learning, adds that the department must provide and maintain Web capacity to allowing K-12 educators to submit recommendations for improvements to the Standards of Learning, when under review by the state board, as well as to the related assessments. Deletes "career education schools" from language requiring local boards to implement career and technical education programs.

Provisions (i) increase from one half-time to one full-time principal in elementary schools with fewer than 300 students; (ii) provide one full-time assistant principal for each 400 students in each school, regardless of grade level; (iv) lower the pupil-teacher ratio from 25:1 to 21:1 in middle and high schools, to ensure the provision of scheduled teacher planning time; (v) reduce the required speech pathologist caseload from 68 to 60 students; (vi) require two technology support positions per 1,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12 divisionwide; and (viii) modify the current funding mechanism for remediation.

Requires the state board to submit to the governor and the general assembly a report on the condition and needs of public education in the commonwealth and shall identify any school divisions and the specific schools therein that have failed to establish and maintain schools meeting the existing prescribed standards of quality.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?041+ful+CHAP0955
Title: H.B. 1014
Source: leg1.state.va.us

IDSigned into law 03/2004P-12Amends existing law relating to reimbursement to public school districts for driver training courses to increase the average cost per pupil reimbursement from $110 to $125. http://www3.state.id.us/oasis/S1255.html#daily
Title: S.B. 1255
Source: Idaho Legislative Web site

IDSigned into law 03/2004P-12Amends existing law to remove language setting forth alternative requirements for driver training programs; to provide that the State Board of Education shall adopt rules to provide students with driver education opportunities while students are enrolled in commercial driver training programs; to revise license application requirements; to set forth standards for courses of instruction. http://www3.state.id.us/oasis/S1353.html#billtext
Title: S.B. 1353
Source: Idaho Legislative Web site

WAVetoed 03/2004P-12Provides for financial literacy; provides for the creation of a set of financial literacy learning guidelines, providing information on instructional materials that help students meet the learning guidelines, data collection and creating a public- private partnership to help provide instructional tools and professional development to school districts that wish to increase the financial literacy of their students.
Title: H.B. 2455
Source: StateNet

WYSigned into law 03/2004P-12Relates to public schools; establishes a pilot project for expansion of foreign language instruction through grade six; imposes requirements upon participant schools; establishes initial and on-going training and professional development for teachers and teacher assistants; provides for program implementation and administration through the state superintendent.
Title: H.B. 170
Source: StateNet

ARSigned into law 02/2004P-12Requires that advanced placement courses be available in the four core areas (English, math, science, social studies) in high school; exempts high schools offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2003s2/public/HB1154.pdf
Title: H.B. 1154
Source: Arkansas Legislative Web site

ARSigned into law 01/2004P-12Requires public school districts to offer a personal finance course to students in grades nine through twelve. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2003s2/public/SB41.pdf
Title: S.B. 41
Source: Arkansas Legislative Web site

+ 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
+ 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