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
SDAdopted 12/2004P-12Exemption Process/Technical Education/Study Courses
SDCR 24:03:01:01, 04:16, 17, 17.01, 18, 06:06.01, 31, 32, 10:42:23
Aligns rule to current statutes and removes State Board of Education from the exemption process. Changes new technical education program pro...

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WARule Adoption 11/2004P-12High School and Beyond Plan
WAC 180-51-061
Adopts rules relating to the high school and beyond plan and culminating graduation requirements. Requires implementation of both via a writ...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Prison Education Reform Act
A.B. 1914
Establishes the Prison Education Reform Act. Changes the position of Superintendent of Correctional Education to the Deputy Director of Corr...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12School District Governing Boards: Pupil Members
A.B. 1897
Requires the governing board of a school district to appoint to its membership a preferential voting pupil member. Requires school districts...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Pupil Attendance: Precinct Board Membership
A.B. 1944
Deems, for purposes of computing the average daily attendance generated by a pupil enrolled in a history or social science course required b...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12Recognized High Schools: Grant Programs
A.B. 1841
Provides that if a high school participating in either the High Priority Schools Grant Program or the Immediate Intervention/Underperforming...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12High School Remediation Funding Flexibility Program
A.B. 2647
Establishes the High School Remediation Funding Flexibility Program for the purpose of providing funding flexibility for remediation instruc...

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CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Principal Training Program
A.B. 164
Authorizes training plans for high school principals to include professional development activities that include coaching, mentorship, assis...

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CAVetoed 09/2004P-12
Postsec.
Academic Improvement and Achievement Act
A.B. 2080
Relates to the Academic Improvement and Achievement Act, which authorizes districts to submit proposals to the state superintendent to fund ...

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CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Inclusion of Documents in History-Social Science Framework
A.B. 2855 (multiple provisions)
Section 2: Repeals the requirement that pupils in American government and civics courses required for high school graduation read and be tau...

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CASigned into law 09/2004P-12Algebra Coursework for High School Diploma
A.B. 2525 (multiple provisions)
Exempts a pupil who, prior to enrollment in grade 9, completes coursework in algebra that meets or exceeds the rigor of the state board cont...

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SDAdopted 09/2004P-12Curriculum/Content Requirements
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
Eliminates requirement that evidence of completion of all required sections of the Dakota STEP assessment must appear on the student's trans...

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CASigned into law 08/2004P-12Retroactive High School Diplomas for Veterans
S.B. 1517
Extends authorization to retroactively grant a high school diploma to a former pupil who is veteran of World War II, the Korean War or the V...

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IAIssued 08/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
IOWA LEARNS COUNCIL
Executive Order No. 30 - 2003
Creates the IOWA LEARNS COUNCIL. The Iowa Learns Council shall work towards the ambitious goal of 90% of Iowa children having a quality pre-...

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ILSigned into law 08/2004P-12Prairie State Achievement Exam
S.B. 2769
Amends the School Code. Provides that no student shall receive a regular diploma without taking the Prairie State Achievement Exam. Provides...

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ALRule Adoption 07/2004P-12Requirements for Occupational Diploma
AAC 290-3-1-.02
Establishes rules amending language to include the requirements for the Alabama Occupational Diploma. http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.s...

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ALEmergency Rule Adoption 07/2004P-12Alabama Occupational Diploma
AAC 290-8-9-.10
Establishes rules amending language to move the requirements for the Alabama Occupational Diploma to 290-3-1-.02(8)(g). ...

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DESigned into law 07/2004P-12State High School Diploma Issuance
H.J.R. 34
Authorizes and directs the Department of Education to conduct alignment studies on additional academic indicators to be used for diploma gra...

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TXRule Adoption 07/2004P-12Texas Success Initiative
19 TAC 1.4.C.4.54
Amends rules concerning exemption from the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative. Exempts high school students who achieve certain st...

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COVetoed 06/2004P-12Colorado High School Commission
H.B. 1283
Creates a High School Commission to assess the quality of education provided in the state's public high schools and to make recommendations ...

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FLSigned into law 06/2004P-12Juvenile Justice Education
H.B. 1989
Relates to juvenile justice education; increases percentage of Florida Education Finance Program funding generated by students in juvenile j...

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LASigned into law 06/2004P-12
Postsec.
Student Loans and Scholarships
H.B. 32
Provides relative to student eligibility for Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) scholarship program. Eliminates prov...

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ALSigned into law 05/2004P-12High School Diplomas for Honorably Discharged Veterans
H.B. 24
Concerns honorably discharged veterans who served in United States Armed Forces during certain dates and who did not receive high school dip...

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DESigned into law 05/2004P-12High School Diploma Issuance
S.B. 285
Requires the Department of Education to award diplomas based on current rules and regulations for students who graduate in 2004; allows the ...

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FLSigned into law 05/2004P-12Korean War Veterans High School Diplomas
S.B. 1096
Relates to Korean War veteran's high school diploma; amends certain prerequisites to allow award of standard high school diploma to honorabl...

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IAVetoed 05/2004P-12Healthy Iowans Tobacco Trust Fund
H.F. 2577
Relates to and making appropriations from the healthy Iowans tobacco trust and the tobacco settlement trust fund and providing an effective ...

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MDRule Adoption 05/2004P-12Standards for Kindergarten Programs
COMAR 13A.03.01, .01, .04, 13A.03.02, .01-.12
Proposes rules regarding standards for kindergarten programs and graduation requirements for public high schools. MARYLAND REG 9845 (SN)...

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TNSigned into law 05/2004P-12
Postsec.
Uniform Grading System
S.B. 2205
Directs the state board to establish a task force comprised of superintendents, principals, teachers, and representatives of school
boards a...

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KYSigned into law 04/2004P-12Student Dropouts
H.B. 178
Amends KRS 158.145 to require that all students who drop out of school be counted in the annual state dropout index. Amends KRS 158.6455 to...

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MDSigned into law 04/2004P-12High School Diploma
H.B. 474
Allows an individual honorably discharged from military service to apply to specified county boards of education to obtain a high school dip...

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MSSigned into law 04/2004P-12High School Diplomas
S.B. 2446
Authorizes local school boards to award honorary high school diplomas to Vietnam veterans who were scheduled to graduate from high school be...

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OKSigned into law 04/2004P-12Schools
S.B. 1271
Relates to curriculum requirements for high school graduation; authorizes technology center school districts to offer certain programs; requ...

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VASigned into law 04/2004P-12At Risk Student Academic Achievement Program
H.B. 1013
Creates an At-Risk Student Academic Achievement Program and fund to provide grants to public school divisions for programs to improve the ac...

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ALEmergency Rule Adoption 03/2004P-12High School Diploma
AAC 290-3-1-.02-.01; -4-2-.02-.01
Provides emergency regulation to effective change for those eligible for a regular high school diploma in the Spring of 2004. ALABAMA REG 65...

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ALAdopted 03/2004P-12Alternate Requirements for Students Failing Exit Test
AAC 290-3-1-.02
Allows high schools to confer the High School Diploma on students with disabilities who have failed a subject area test of the Graduation Ex...

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ALEmergency Rule Adoption 03/2004P-12Student Assessment Required for High School Diploma
AAC 290-4-2-.02
Allows students with disabilities who fail one portion of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam and meet certain other criteria to receive...

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DERule Adoption 03/2004P-12High School Graduation Requirements and Diplomas
14 DAC 505
Amends rules regarding credit requirements for High School Graduation, diplomas and certificate of performance, options for awarding credit ...

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NMSigned into law 03/2004P-12High School Graduation Requirements
H.B. 522
Relates to education; establishes requirements for high school graduation and student curriculum plans....

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OHSigned into law 03/2004P-12Teaching Success
S.B. 2

· Creates an Educator Standards Board to develop and submit to the State Board of Education recommendations for statewide educator standard...

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UTSigned into law 03/2004P-12Public Education Amendments
S.B. 185
Modifies the membership and terms of the nominating and recruiting committee that selects candidates for membership on the State Board of Ed...

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VASigned into law 03/2004P-12Joint Schools
S.B. 553
Authorizes school boards to create joint or regional schools offering a specialized curriculum leading to a high school diploma and a postse...

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WAVetoed 03/2004P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Elementary and Higher Education Link
S.B. 6561
Strengthens linkages between K-12 and higher education systems. Requires the state board for community and technical colleges, the higher ed...

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WASigned into law 03/2004P-12State Assessment Standards
H.B. 2195
1) The high school assessment system shall include but need not be limited to the Washington assessment of student learning, opportunities f...

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WASigned into law 03/2004P-12
Postsec.
Higher Education Remedial Education
S.B. 5139
Requires the higher education coordinating board, the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the state board for community a...

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WVto governor 03/2004P-12
Postsec.
High Quality Education Standards and Efficiency Standards
H.B. 4001-- Multiple Sections
One section of H.B. 4001 requires high quality education standards and efficiency standards to include an assurance that graduates are prepa...

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SDSigned into law 02/2004P-12Basic High School Program
H.B. 1001
Provides for a basic high school program and a recommended high school program; requires most students to complete the recommended one; sets...

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VTSigned into law 02/2004P-12Governor's Diploma
H.B. 490
Repeals the governor's diploma. http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2004/acts/ACT078.HTM...

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ARSigned into law 01/2004P-12Student Assessment and Educational Accountability Act of 2004 - Reporting
S.B. 33 §§ 1, 4, 5, 6
Amends Ark. Code § 6-15-404, adds 6-15-434, 6-15-1806, 6-15-1901, 6-15-1902, 6-15-1903 .Creates the Student Assessment and Educational Accou...

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ARSigned into law 01/2004P-12
Postsec.
Student Assessment and Educational Accountability Act of 2004 - P-16
S.B. 33 § 10
Adds Ark. Code 6-15-2201. Requires postsecondary education to report on the readiness of high school students for higher education; the stat...

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MSRule Adoption 01/2004P-12GED State Policy
(Uncodified)
Amends rules concerning GED State Policy, with regard to, minimum requirements and eligibility for testing. MISSISSIPPI REG 9040 (SN)...

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+ 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