ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2005 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 2005. This database is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States (ECS). Most entries are legislative, although rules/regulations and executive orders that make substantive changes are included. Every effort is made to collect the latest available version of policies; in some instances, recent changes might not be reflected. For expediency purposes minimal attention has been paid to style (capitalization, punctuation) and format. To view the documents, click on the blue triangle next to the topic of interest. To view all, press the button located at the top labeled "Expand All."

Please cite use of the database as: Education Commission of the States (ECS) State Policy Database, retrieved [date].

State Status/Date Level Summary
+ Accountability
+ Accountability--Accreditation
+ Accountability--Measures/Indicators
+ Accountability--Reporting Results
+ Accountability--Rewards
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Drive
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--Takeovers
+ Accountability--School Improvement
+ Adult Basic Education
+ Assessment
+ Assessment--Accommodations
+ Assessment--Computer Based
+ Assessment--End-of-Course
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ Assessment--High Stakes/Competency
+ 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
+ Career/Technical Education
+ Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship
+ Cheating
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Charter Districts
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Closings
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Cyber Charters
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Finance
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Research
+ Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment
+ Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Tax Credits
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Censorship
+ Curriculum--Core Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Environmental Education
+ 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--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Multicultural
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Curriculum--Speech Education
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Education Research
+ Equity
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Equity
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Litigation
+ Finance--Local Foundations/Funds
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ 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
+ High School
+ High School--Advanced Placement
+ High School--College Readiness
+ High School--Dropout Rates/Graduation Rates
+ High School--Dual/Concurrent Enrollment
+ High School--Early Colleges/Middle Colleges
+ 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--Single-Sex Education
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ Leadership
+ Leadership--District Superintendent
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership
+ 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--Tenure
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
- No Child Left Behind
LAAdopted 11/2005P-12Brings state content standards in science, social studies and mathematics into compliance with provisions in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001.
Science: pp 6-41 of 198
Social studies: pp 41-73 of 198
Mathematics: pp 73-98 of 198
English language arts: pp 98-132 of 198
http://www.doa.state.la.us/osr/reg/0511/0511RUL.pdf
AGENCY CONTACT: Nina A Ford, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Box 94064, Capitol Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064
Title: LAC 28:CXIX, Chapters 1-17; LAC 28:CXXIII, Chapters 1-21; LAC 28:CXXI, Chapters 1-13; LAC 28:LXIII.Chapters 1-19
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet, www.doa.state.la.us/osr

COVetoed 06/2005P-12Requires the department to contract every 3 years for an independent evaluation of the state accountability system and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Requires the evaluation to include:
(1) The impact of the accountability systems on learning and teaching;
(2) Public perception of and confidence in the accountability sytems;
(3) The effectiveness of the parties involved in the accountability systems, including the department, districts, state charter school institute, and public schools;
(4) Improvements that may be made to the data collected through the accountability systems; and
(5) Recommended changes to statutes or rules pertaining to the accountability systems.

Requires the report to include an evaluation of the state acceditation indicators and how districts or the state charter school institute can meet or fail to meet such standards.

Changes the school designations in the state accountability system from "excellent", "high", "average", "low" and "unsatisfactory" to "excellent", "high achieving", "achieving", "priority" and "high priority". Requires the state board to develop procedures for a district or the state charter school institute to appeal or waive a school's rating based upon unusual testing circumstances.

http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics2005a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/489B14D223FBDD2087256F5D006BE665?Open&file=214_rev.pdf
Title: S.B. 214 (Section 1-2)
Source: www.leg.state.co.us

NJREPORTED OUT OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE, 2ND READING 05/2005P-12An Assembly Resolution urging the Governor to join the State of Connecticut's lawsuit concerning the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001."
Title: H.R. 267
Source: StateNet

ARSigned into law 04/2005P-12Amends the public school funding act of 2003. Requires the State Board of Education to promulgate rules clarifying not only which alternative learning environment programs qualify for funding, but also the characteristics of students who qualify for funding because they have been placed in an alternative learning environment program. Clarifies attendance record requirements for purposes of state funding. Adds definitions of the teacher's salary fund, operating fund and debt service fund. Modifies language defining "National school lunch students." Modifies formula for calculating student growth funding for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years.

Adds language that a school district that has experienced a significant growth in enrolled students in the previous 3 years must receive funding for the expected increase in the number of national school lunch students based on the expected increase in enrolled students based on the levels of funding provided in this section for national school lunch students. Requires the state board to adopt rules determining specified provisions of this policy.

ftp://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/bills/2005/public/SB939.pdf
Title: S.B. 939
Source: www.arkleg.state.ar.us

COSigned into law 04/2005P-12Effective July 1, 2005, allows a local board to adopt a resolution stating its intent to decline one or more federal funding sources of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and thereby be exempt from the requirements of the act. Requires the resolution to remain in place until rescinded by the local board. States that if a district adopts a resolution to decline federal funding sources in this manner, the action will nto affect the district's accreditation status, and the department and the state board may not impose any form of sanction on the district for its action in declining federal funds and not complying with the federal requirements from which it is exempt.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics2005a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/081AB298840E623D87256F500058FF4D?Open&file=050_enr.pdf
Title: S.B. 50
Source: www.leg.state.co.us

MDRule Adoption 04/2005P-12Revises the Maryland Student Records System Manual (MSRSM) as a result of recent changes regarding health and graduation requirements. State assessments, prekindergarten requirements, kindergarten and prekindergarten phase-in dates, enrollment and transfers, and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Updates references to the MSRSM. MARYLAND REG 10154 (SN)
Title: COMAR 13A.02.06.02, 13A.0801.01, .08.02.01
Source: StateNet

NDSigned into law 04/2005P-12Before the superintendent of public instruction may submit to the United States secretary of education any proposed changes in the state accountability plan required under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 [Pub. L. 107-110; 115 Stat. 1425; 20 U.S.C. 6301, et seq.], the superintendent shall present the proposed changes to the interim no child left behind committee. The committee shall review the proposed changes; accept testimony and documentary evidence regarding the impact of the proposed changes on the students, schools, school districts, and taxpayers of this state; and provide advice and recommendations regarding the proposed changes to the superintendent.
http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/59-2005/bill-text/FAFS0400.pdf

Title: H.B. 1434
Source: StateNet

NDSigned into law 04/2005P-12
Postsec.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the department of public instruction, the school for the deaf, North Dakota vision services - school for the blind, and the state library; to provide an appropriation to the division of independent study; to provide for the distribution of special education payments; to provide for a legislative council study; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to amend and reenact section 15.1-02-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the salary of the superintendent of public instruction; and to declare an emergency

The legislative council shall study, during the 2005-06 interim, the state's elementary and secondary education system, including
key measurements of student progress, programs that address the state's competitiveness with other
states, costs incurred by the state relating to implementing the No Child Left Behind Act, and the most
effective means of using taxpayer dollars at the state and local levels to ensure the best possible
education for the children of this state.

http://www.state.nd.us/lr/assembly/59-2005/bill-text/FQNG0500.pdf
Title: H.B. 1013
Source: http://www.state.nd.us

UTPassed 04/2005P-12This resolution: recognizes that the Utah Performance Assessment System for Students (U-PASS)
should be the basis for assessing and monitoring Utah's students and schools; recognizes that in order to increase student achievement, Utah should utilize competency-measured education and student growth measurements as described in U-PASS and Utah State Senate Bill 154, 2003 General Session; recognizes that the state should control its public education budget and allocate money according to Utah's priorities and needs, driven by decision-making of local school boards; and recognizes that until certain federal actions are taken, Utah should utilize its own proven system of student accountability and reassert its historic leadership role in providing a quality public education for the citizens of Utah.
H.http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2005/bills/hbillenr/hjr003.pdf
Title: H.J.R. 3 (related to H.B. 1001)
Source: http://www.le.state.ut.us

UTTo governor 04/2005P-12School officials may:
(a) apply for, receive, and administer funds made available through programs of the
federal government;
(b) only expend federal funds for the purposes for which they are received and are
accounted for by the state, school district, or charter school; and
(c) reduce or eliminate a program created with or expanded by federal funds to the extent
allowed by law when federal funds for that program are subsequently reduced or eliminated.
(2) School officials shall:
(a) prioritize resources, especially to resolve conflicts between federal provisions or
between federal and state programs, including:
(i) providing first priority to meeting state goals, objectives, program needs, and
accountability systems as they relate to federal programs; and
(ii) providing second priority to implementing federal goals, objectives, program needs,
and accountability systems that do not directly and simultaneously advance state goals, objectives,
program needs, and accountability systems;
(b) interpret the provisions of federal programs in the best interest of students in this
state;
(c) maximize local control and flexibility;
(d) minimize additional state resources that are diverted to implement federal programs beyond the federal monies that are provided to fund the programs;
(e) request changes to federal educational programs, especially programs that are
underfunded or provide conflicts with other state or federal programs
http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2005S1/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB1001.htm
Title: H.B. 1001
Source: http://www.le.state.ut.us

KYSigned into law 03/2005P-12Directs the department of education to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the professional development, training and resources needed in each school to help each child achieve reading and literacy proficiency by 2014. Requires the department of education to submit its findings and recommendations to the Interim Joint Committee on Education no later than November 1, 2005.

http://lrc.ky.gov/RECORD/05RS/SJ92.htm
Title: S.J.R. 92
Source: lrc.ky.gov

VASigned into law 03/2005P-12Directs the Board of Education to seek a waiver from compliance with those provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act that are duplicative of the Commonwealth's prior educational accountability system as set forth in the Standards of Quality, Standards of Learning, and Standards of Accreditation, or lacking in cost effectiveness, and that already comply with the spirit and intent of the federal act. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?051+ful+CHAP0013
Title: H.B. 2602, S.B. 1136
Source: http://leg1.state.va.us

VTSigned into law 03/2005P-12Extends the council on education governance and the No Child Left Behind oversight committee which are due to expire on July 1, 2005. The council is to report each year that it is in existence on its progress together with its recommendations for legislation, including steps which are necessary to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2006/bills/passed/H-135.HTM
Title: H.B. 135
Source: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/

MSRule Adoption 02/2005P-12Amends rules concerning the consolidated state application accountability workbook. MISSISSIPPI REG 9414 (SN)
Title: (Uncodified)
Source: StateNet

+ 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 Child Care
+ P-3 Early Intervention (0-3)
+ P-3 Ensuring Quality
+ P-3 Evaluation/Economic Benefits
+ P-3 Family Involvement
+ P-3 Finance
+ P-3 Grades 1-3
+ P-3 Kindergarten--Full-Day Kindergarten
+ P-3 Preschool
+ P-3 Teaching Quality/Professional Development
+ Parent/Family
+ Parent/Family--Parent Rights
+ Partnerships--University/School
+ 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 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 Participation--Outreach
+ Postsecondary Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Religion--Prayer/Meditation
+ Rural
+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Day/Class Length
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Extended Day Programs
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Summer School
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year
+ 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 Safety--Special Education
+ School Safety--Uniforms/Dress Codes
+ 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--Placement
+ Special Education--Transition
+ Special Populations--Corrections Education
+ Special Populations--Gifted and Talented
+ Special Populations--Homeless Education
+ Standards
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions
+ STEM
+ 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--Mobility
+ Students--Records/Rights
+ Teaching Quality
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure
+ Teaching Quality--Certification and Licensure--Alternative
+ 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--Reduction in Force
+ Teaching Quality--Teacher Attitudes
+ Teaching Quality--Teacher Rights
+ Teaching Quality--Tenure or Continuing Contract
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining--Strikes
+ Technology
+ Technology--Computer Skills
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Internet Safety
+ Textbooks and Open Source