ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2006 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 2006. 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
+ Business Involvement
+ Career/Technical Education
+ Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship
+ Cheating
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools
+ 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
+ Counseling/Guidance
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Alignment
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Core Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Environmental Education
+ Curriculum--Family Living Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Geography Education
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--International Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Education Research
+ Equity
+ Federal
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Equity
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ Finance--Performance Funding
+ 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--Site-Based Management
+ Governance--State Boards/Chiefs/Agencies
+ Health
+ Health--Child Abuse
+ Health--Mental Health
+ Health--Nutrition
+ Health--School Based Clinics or School Nurses
+ Health--Suicide Prevention
+ Health--Teen Pregnancy
+ 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
AKAdopted 12/2006P-12Passing Scores
4 AAC 06.739, .755
Amend rules to the Department of Education and Early Development,dealing with 10th grade standards based assessments. Repeals and readopts new 10th grade proficiency scores in reading, writing and mathematics. Establishes new cut scores for the High School Gra...

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UTAdopted 12/2006P-12Adult Education Exit Exam Exemption
R277-705
Exempts adult education students from attempting or passing the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test (UBSCT) in order to qualify for an adult education diploma; makes adult education students eligible only for an adult education secondary diploma; after the 2006-...

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UTAdopted 11/2006P-12Non-traditional Student Participation in State Achievement Tests
R277-604
Provides definitions, criteria and procedures for private school students, home school students, electronic high school (EHS) students, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) students to participate in the state's public education school achievement tests required...

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CAVetoed 09/2006P-12Exit Exam Standards Evaluation
A.B. 2937
Requires the Department of Education to conduct a study to determine which of the Standards Tests or combination of those tests, is equivalent to the English language arts portion or the mathematics portion of the high school exit examination, and the performa...

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CASigned into law 09/2006P-12Exit Exam and Students w/ Disabilities
S.B. 267
Relates to the State High School Exit Examination. Extends provisions relating to the granting or denial of a high school diploma by a school district or state special school to pupils with disabilities who are scheduled to graduate from high school in 2007, a...

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CASigned into law 09/2006P-12High School Exit Exam Assistance
S.B. 638
Relates to the 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens Program to assist pupils in passing high school exit exams. Provides hours of operation per week for each program. Revises grant application procedures and requirements for sc...

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CASigned into law 09/2006P-12
Community College
Postsec.
Dual Enrollment and Exit Exams
S.B. 1303
Relates to prohibiting a principal from recommending, for any particular grade level, for community college summer session attendance, more than 5% of the total number of pupils who completed that grade prior to the time of recommendation. Exempts a pupil reco...

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CASigned into law 08/2006P-12Reporting Exit Exam Results
S.B. 1592
Requires the superintendent of public instruction to report on the number and percentage of pupils who failed to receive a diploma of graduation from high school in 2006 due to the failure of those pupils to pass the high school exit examination, aggregated by...

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CARule Adoption 07/2006P-12High School Exit Exams
Title 5 CCR Sections 1204.5, 1207.1, 1207.2
Establishes emergency rules relating to high school exit examination.
a) Eligible pupils in grade 11 who have not yet passed one or both sections of the examination shall have up to two opportunities per year to take the section(s) of the examination not yet ...

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MDAdopted 07/2006P-12High School Exit Exam
COMAR 13A.03.02.08
Extends to students graduating before 2009 the option of substituting participation in a Department-approved test for participation in a Maryland High School Assessment. MARYLAND 10594
http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/subtitle_chapters/13A_Chapters.htm#Subtitl...

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VARule Adoption 07/2006P-12Standards For Accrediting Public Schools
8 VAC 20-131-10 thru -320 non seq.
Amends regulations establishing standards for accrediting public schools in Virginia. The amendments include additional options for students to meet the requirements for graduation; change the methodology for calculating accreditation ratings; create greater ...

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LAAdopted 06/2006P-12Accountability System
LAC 28:LXXXIII.Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 17, 21, 24, 35, 41,43, and 45
Full text of language on pages 8-20 of 62: http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/osr/reg/0606/0606RUL.pdf

Changes define/outline/clarify the following:
--school performance score goals (page 8-10 of 62);
--calculating the SPS (School Performance Scores) component (p...

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AZSigned into law 05/2006P-12Alternative High School Graduation Requirements
S.B. 1443
Describes alternative high school graduation requirements.
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/47leg/2r/bills/sb1443s.pdf...

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FLSigned into law 05/2006P-12High School Graduation Requirements for Students with Disabilities
H.B. 7087 - Section 23 (3) - (8)
Requires local boards to modify basic courses, as necessary, to to assure exceptional students the opportunity to meet the graduation requirements for a standard diploma, using one of the following strategies:
1. Assignment of the exceptional student to an exc...

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FLSigned into law 05/2006P-12Statewide Assessments - Subjects, Grades, Rigor
H.B. 7087 (Section 40)
Revises policies for the statewide Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Previously, the FCAT was being administered annually in grades 3 through 10 to measure reading, writing, science, and mathematics. This legislation directs the commissioner to administer...

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FLSigned into law 05/2006P-12
Postsec.
High School Achievement Tests
H.B. 7087 (Section 40)
The State Board of Education must analyze the content and concordant data sets for widely used high school achievement tests, including, but not limited to, the PSAT, PLAN, SAT, ACT, and College Placement Test, to assess if concordant scores for FCAT scores ca...

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MDRule Adoption 05/2006P-12High School Math Assessment Requirements
COMAR 13A.03.02.04, .12
Amends rules regarding exemption of students from taking the Maryland High School Assessment for algebra/data analysis if they completed and passed algebra in a nonpublic middle school or an out-of- state middle school and have mastered the core learning goals...

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OKSigned into law 05/2006P-12NCLB and End-of-Instruction Assessments
S.B. 1792 - Section 4
Clarifies that testing for grades 3, 4, 6 and 7 is contingent on the availability of federal and state funds. Eliminates grade 3 stand-alone language arts test. Clarifies that grade 5 social studies assessment must include U.S. history, the Constitution and ...

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OKSigned into law 05/2006P-12End-of-Instruction Exams
S.B. 1792 - Section 6
Clarifies that 2 of the 6 end-of-course exams all students must pass effective with the Class of 2012 are Algebra I and English II. Provides that students must pass 2 additional end-of-course exams chosen from Algebra II, Biology I, English III, geometry and ...

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IDSigned into law 04/2006P-12Distance Learning and Remedial Coursework
H.B. 847 Section 9
Specifies that $1,100,000 of the appropriation in section 3 of the bill be distributed to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, as follows:
(1) $200,000 shall be utilized to reduce or eliminate tuition charged by the Idaho Digital Learning Academy to Idaho stu...

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AZAdopted 03/2006P-12High School Exit Exam
R7-2-302.05, -302.06
Exempts rules relating to high school students taking the ArizonaInstrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test and test scores for students in the2006 and 2007 graduating classes. ARIZONA 3965...

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CAAdopted 03/2006P-12High School Exit Examination Administration
Title 5 CCR Sections 1204.5 thru 1207.2
1204.5. Grades 11 and 12 and Adult Education Testing Dates.
(a) Eligible pupils in grade 11 and eligible adult students who have not yet passed one or both sections of the examination shall have up to two opportunities per year to take the section(s) of the ex...

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SCSigned into law 03/2006P-12State Assessments
H.B. 4328
Existing provision provides for the Budget and Control Board to issue a request for proposals for the purpose of conducting a study to determine the feasibility and cost of converting the state assessment program to a computer-based or computer-adaptive format...

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WASigned into law 03/2006P-12Alternative Methods of Assessment and Appeal
S.B. 6475
Requires state superintendent to implement alternative methods of assessment and appeal processes for the certificate of academic achievement. Declares that one alternative assessment method shall be a combination of the applicant's grades in applicable course...

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LAAdopted 02/2006P-12Statewide Assessment Standards and Practices
LAC 28:CXI.107, 305, 307, 309, 313, 315, 701, 1101, 1115, 1141, 1151,1153, 1301, 1313, 1335, 1345, 1347, 1349, 1351, 1355, 1501, 1701, 1901, 2001,2501, 2701, 3303, 3305, 3307
Amends Bulletin 118--Statewide Assessment Standards and Practices.

(1) Revise the names of two of Louisiana's statewide assessment tests by removing for the 21st Century from each. Graduation Exit Examination (GEE) and
Louisiana Educational Assessment Progr...

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CASigned into law 01/2006P-12One-year Exit Exam Exemptions for Students with Disabilities
S.B. 517
Requires school districts or state special schools to grant a high school diploma to a pupil with a disability who is scheduled to graduate from high school in 2006, has not passed the high school exit examination, has not received a high school exit examinati...

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+ High School--GED (General Education Development)
+ High School--Graduation Requirements
+ Instructional Approaches
+ Instructional Approaches--Constructivism
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning
+ Instructional Approaches--Single-Sex Education
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ International Baccalaureate
+ 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--Recruitment and Retention
+ Mentoring/Tutoring
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ 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--Reauthorization Issues/Waivers
+ No Child Left Behind--Report Cards
+ No Child Left Behind--School Support
+ No Child Left Behind--Special Populations
+ 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 Finance
+ P-3 Governance
+ 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
+ Parent/Family--Research
+ 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--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Promising Practices
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Religion--Scientific Creationism (Evolution)
+ Remediation (K-12)
+ 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--Disaster/Emergency Preparedness
+ 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--Inclusion (Mainstreaming)
+ Special Education--Placement
+ Special Education--Transition
+ Special Populations--Corrections Education
+ Special Populations--Foster Care
+ Special Populations--Gifted and Talented
+ Special Populations--Homeless Education
+ Standards
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ State Policymaking--Ballot Questions
+ State Policymaking--Politics
+ State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions
+ STEM
+ Student Achievement
+ Student Achievement--Closing the Achievement Gap
+ Students
+ Students--Athletics/Extracurricular Activities
+ 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
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining
+ Technology
+ Technology--Computer Skills
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Internet Safety
+ Technology--Teacher/Faculty Training
+ Textbooks and Open Source