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--Legal Issues
+ 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
NJSigned into law 12/2006P-12Requires boards of education to offer elementary school students instruction in gang violence prevention.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp
Title: A.B. 1650; S.B. 1749
Source: New Jersey Legislature

UTPREFILED 12/2006P-12This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor expresses support for civic education and Utah's Legislators Back to School Program. http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2007/bills/sbillint/scr002.pdf
Title: S.C.R. 2
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

CAVetoed 09/2006P-12Relates to existing law which prohibits instruction or school sponsored activities and the adopting of textbooks or other instructional materials that contain any matter that reflects adversely upon specified persons. Revises the list of characteristics included in these provisions to include race or ethnicity, gender, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.
Title: S.B. 1437
Source: California Legislature

CAVetoed 09/2006P-12Establishes the Tolerance Education Pilot Program to promote instruction to public schools on tolerance and intergroup relations as part of the instruction in the history/social science content standards. Requires the Department of Education to select 10 schools to participate in the program and receive onetime grants. Requires each school in the program to submit a report on the effectiveness of the program and the use of program funds and to develop a plan to add such relations to curriculum.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_1051-1100/ab_1056_bill_20060911_enrolled.pdf
Title: A.B. 1056
Source: California Legislature

NCSigned into law 07/2006P-12Directs the state board of education to develop programs for use in schools on the meaning and importance of memorial day.
http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2005/Bills/House/HTML/H836v5.html
Title: H.B. 836
Source: http://www.ncleg.net/

NCSigned into law 07/2006P-12Directs local boards of education, charter schools, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and the North Carolina school of science and mathematics to require the display of the united states and North Carolina flags and to require recitation of the pledge of allegiance on a daily basis.
http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2005/Bills/Senate/HTML/S700v4.html
Title: S.B. 700
Source: http://www.ncleg.net

AZSigned into law 06/2006P-12
Postsec.
School districts and charter schools must display United States flag in each classroom and upon or new the outside of the school during school hours. For grades 7-12, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights must be placed adjacent to each classroom flag. Provides an exemption for private, parochial and home schools; amends such provisions regarding vocational and technological education facilities.
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/47leg/2r/bills/hb2583c.pdf
Title: H.B. 2583
Source: Arizona Legislature

AZSigned into law 06/2006P-12Concerns the State Commission on Civic Education and Civic Engagement; relates to membership and duties; provides a repeal of the termination date.
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/47leg/2r/bills/hb2788h.pdf
Title: H.B. 2788
Source: Arizona Legislature

MESigned into law 05/2006P-12Reestablishes the Task Force on Citizenship Education and extends a reporting deadline; provides that the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters may report out legislation based on the report to the First Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature. PL 639
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/billtexts/ld211201.asp
Title: H.B. 1504; LD2112
Source: Maine Legislature

MNSigned into law 05/2006P-12Creates a pilot program to allow school districts to receive character development education revenue to purchase curriculum for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.232. Character development education revenue for school districts equals $30 times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units. Directs the commissioner of education to maintain
a character development education curriculum approved provider list.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H4162.3.html&session=ls84
Title: H.B. 4162
Source: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/

TNSigned into law 05/2006P-12Establishes a commission on civic education. The commission is will: (1) Research the current policies and practices in civic education at the state and local level; and (2) Recommend to the governor, the education committee of the senate and the education committee of the house of representatives any policies and programs it deems necessary and able to correct deficiencies in and improve the practice of civic education by Tennessee schools.
http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/SB2586.pdf
Title: S.B. 2586
Source: Tennessee Legislature

VTSigned into law 05/2006P-12Directs the commissioner of education to convene a council on civics education to strengthen civics education opportunities for all Vermonters. Directs the council to:
(1)  continually assess the status of civics education in Vermont schools at all education levels, including higher education;
(2)  make recommendations to enhance civics education;
(3)  make recommendations regarding benefits of increasing civics coordination services at the state house;
(4)  maintain an inventory of civics and service education opportunities available for Vermont students;
(5)  assess and recommend best practices in civics education;
(6)  build and maintain a network of civics education professionals to share information and strengthen partnerships;
(7)  support and help coordinate an alignment of civics education curricula at all education levels, including higher education;
(8)  prepare an annual report of its activities. http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2006/acts/ACT182.HTM
Title: H.B. 867 - Section 29
Source: www.leg.state.vt.us

WISigned into law 05/2006P-12Eliminates the minimum grade point average requirement for poll workers who are high school students. Authorizes school boards to develop criteria for approving students to serve as poll workers. Also modifies the term of service of a high school pupil appointed to serve as an inspector, to appoint a student for one election only rather than for 2 years. Does not prohibit a pupil from being appointed to serve at future elections.
hhttp://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/acts/05Act451.pdf (pg. 7)
Title: Act. No. 451
Source: www.legis.state.wi.us

IASigned into law 04/2006P-12Requires the department of cultural affairs to develop an Iowa studies professional development plan that includes professional development materials and training measures to provide teachers in the state with effective ways to infuse Iowa studies into their classrooms. Requires that the materials developed include an Iowa studies curriculum that each local board may choose to integrate into the district's high school social studies requirements. Mandates that the curriculum include lesson plans covering Iowa history, civics, government, and heritage studies, and that the curriculum contain enough content for the course to fulfill at least .5 unit of credit.

Requires the director of the department of cultural affairs to establish an Iowa studies committee to:
(1) Inform school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies of the Iowa studies professional development plan;
(2) Develop partnerships with organizations such as nonprofit history or humanities organizations, civic organizations, libraries, and the business community to support and promote Iowa studies statewide;
(3) Establish evaluation criteria for the Iowa studies professional development plan, including teacher and student evaluation and curriculum and plan effectiveness, which may include a survey of student participation in civic activities and involvement in the election process.
(4) Develop a strategy and plan to implement the Iowa studies professional development plan and curriculum in a limited number of schools and area education agencies across the state. Specifies that participation by a school or area education agency must be voluntary, but that a school or area education agency selected to participate in the plan must agree to participate in the evaluation component conducted by the Iowa studies committee.

Establishes membership of the Iowa studies committee. Requires the committee to:
a. Conduct an evaluation of the Iowa studies professional development plan using the evaluation criteria established by the committee.
b. Submit, for school years ending on or before June 30, 2009, an annual status report on the utilization of the Iowa studies professional development plan in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to the chairpersons and ranking members of the senate and house committees on education. This report must include the number of schools utilizing the plan.
c. Submit its findings and recommendations in a final report based upon the evaluation data to the chairpersons and ranking members of the senate and house committees on education by January 15, 2010.

Repeals these provisions effective July 1, 2010. http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=SF2320
Title: S.B. 2320
Source: coolice.legis.state.ia.us

ILAdopted 04/2006P-12Changes reference to "career education" to "career and technical education." Clarifies differences between courses high schools must offer, courses students must take, and courses students must pass to graduate. Clarifies that all high school students must take a course in American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag for not less than one hour per week, or the equivalent.

Adds policy that a student may be permitted to retake a course that he or she has already successfully completed (for example, to earn a better grade) but that credit may not be awarded more than once for completion of the same course, and the same course may not be counted more than once toward
fulfillment of the state high school graduation requirements.

Establishes criteria for approval of a "writing intensive" course as required for high school graduation effective with the Class of 2010. Pages 483-496 of 705 http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/register/register_volume30_issue18.pdf
Title: 23 IAC 1.440
Source: www.cyberdriveillinois.com

KYSigned into law 04/2006P-12Directs the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky Board of Education, and others to examine the current level of skills and knowledge of Kentucky students relating to the U.S. Constitution and democratic processes. Requires these entities to examine the curriculum requirements at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels for all Kentucky students; assessments of student knowledge at these levels and results of these assessments; requirements for teacher competencies in these areas; and other relevant data and information.

Requires these partners to develop strategies and a timeline for improving Kentucky students' knowledge and understanding of the U.S. Constitution and democratic processes and students' civic engagement, and to report to the Interim Joint Committee on Education, by August 1 and December 1, 2007.
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/RECORD/06RS/HJ145/bill.doc
Title: H.J.R. 145
Source: www.lrc.ky.gov

KYSigned into law 04/2006P-12Requires all public schools to hold Veterans Day programs. http://www.lrc.ky.gov/RECORD/06RS/SB47/bill.doc
Title: S.B. 47
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

MDSigned into law 04/2006P-12
Postsec.
Establishes the Task Force to Convene a Summit on Civic Literacy in Maryland; provides for the composition, powers, and duties of the Task Force; requires the State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission to provide staffing for the Task Force; prohibiting members of the Task Force from receiving compensation but entitling members to reimbursement for certain expenses.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/bills/sb/sb0047e.pdf
Title: S.B. 47
Source: Maryland Legislature

MDSigned into law 04/2006P-12Alters the standard by which a county board of education and the Board of School Commissioners of Baltimore City shall require specified elementary schools to implement a positive behavioral interventions and support program or a specified alternative program.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/bills/hb/hb1495t.pdf
Title: H.B. 1495
Source: Maryland Legislature

UTSigned into law 03/2006P-12Creates the Commission on Civic and Character Education within the Lieutenant Governor's office; establishes the duties of the commission to promote and ensure implementation of the provisions of existing law related to civic and character education; provides that the Lieutenant Governor's office shall provide leadership to the commission; appropriates funds for the commission.
http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/bills/hbillenr/hb0339.pdf
Title: H.B. 339
Source: http://www.le.state.ut.us

UTSigned into law 03/2006P-12Expresses support for civic education and Utah's Legislators Back to School Program; emphasizes the importance of legislators promoting greater understanding of the legislative process and building public trust and confidence in representative democracy through civic education.
http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/bills/hbillenr/hcr002.pdf
Title: H.C.R. 2
Source: http://www.le.state.ut.us

WASigned into law 03/2006P-12Finds that instruction in social studies, arts, health, and fitness is important to ensure a well-rounded and complete education. In particular, the civic mission of schools is strengthened and enhanced by comprehensive civics education and assessments. The legislature finds that effective and accountable democratic government depends upon an informed and engaged citizenry, and therefore, students should learn their
rights and responsibilities as citizens, where those rights and responsibilities come from, and how to exercise them. Provides that, beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall require students in the fourth or fifth grades, the seventh or eighth grades, and the eleventh or twelfth grades to each complete at least one classroom-based assessment in civics. The civics assessment shall be selected from a list of classroom-based assessments approved by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall annuallyubmit implementation verification reports to the office of the superintendent of public instruction documenting the use of the classroom-based assessments in civics. Appropriates the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the superintendent of public instruction.
http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2005-06/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202006/2579.SL.pdf
Title: H.B. 2579
Source: http://www.leg.wa.gov

WASigned into law 03/2006P-12Directs the office of superintendent of public instruction to conduct an environmental education study in partnership with public and private entities invested in strategies to reach every student, family, and community with quality environmental education experiences. The study shall
provide empirical evidence, exemplary models, and recommendations focused on: (1) Career development; (2) Good citizenship as proven through service learning; (3) Graduation requirements, specifically addressing senior culminating projects; (4) Underserved youth and demographic groups; and (5) Models of professional development for community based service organizations including state and local agencies. Requires the office of superintendent of public instruction to provide an interim update to the legislature by December 1, 2006, and to complete the study no later than October 1, 2007.
http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2005-06/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202006/2910.SL.pdf
Title: H.B. 2910
Source: http://www.leg.wa.gov

+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ 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--Condition of Children/Adults
+ 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
+ High School--GED (General Education Development)
+ High School--Graduation Requirements
+ High School--International Baccalaureate
+ Instructional Approaches
+ Instructional Approaches--Constructivism
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning
+ 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--Recruitment and Retention
+ 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)
+ 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
+ Student Achievement--State Trends
+ Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance
+ Student Supports--Mentoring/Tutoring
+ Student Supports--Remediation
+ 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