ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2007 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 2007. 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
+ 21st Century Skills
+ Accountability
+ Accountability--Accreditation
+ Accountability--Measures/Indicators
+ Accountability--Reporting Results
+ Accountability--Rewards
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Drive
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Play
+ 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--NAEP (NAEP Results and NAEP Organization)
+ 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--Charter Districts
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Closings
+ 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
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Censorship
+ Curriculum--Core Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Environmental Education
+ Curriculum--Excusal
+ Curriculum--Family Living Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Geography Education
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Curriculum--Speech Education
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Demographics
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Education Research
+ Equity
+ Federal
+ 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--Mandates
+ 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--Constructivism
+ Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Official English
+ Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ International Benchmarking
+ 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
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--African American
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
+ 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--Special Populations
+ No Child Left Behind--Supplemental Services
+ Online Learning--Digital/Blended Learning
+ Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses
- P-16 or P-20
TXAdopted 12/2007P-12This item adopts new 19 TAC Chapter 95, Commissioner's Rules Concerning Education Research Centers, §95.1001, Operation of Education Research Centers. The adopted new section implements the Texas Education Code (TEC), §1.005, Education Research Centers; Sharing Student Information, added by House Bill (HB) 1, 79th Texas Legislature, Third Called Session, 2006, that requires the commissioner of education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt rules for the use of student data at an education research center. The adopted new 19 TAC §95.1001, Operation of Education Research Centers, provides procedures for implementing education research centers to conduct research for the benefit of education in the state, including research relating to the impact of state and federal education programs, the performance of educator preparation programs, public school finance, and the best practices of school districts with regard to classroom instruction, bilingual education programs, special language programs, and business practices.
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/commissioner/adopted/1207/95-1001-ltradopt.htm
Title: 19 TAC Chapter 95
Source: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules

ILSigned into law 09/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Abolishes the state joint education committee. Creates the P-20 Council to study and make recommendations concerning education at all levels to avoid fragmentation of policies, promote improved teaching and learning, and continue to cultivate and demonstrate strong accountability and efficiency and to leverage funding. Provides for research collection. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/95/HB/PDF/09500HB1648lv.pdf
Title: H.B. 1648
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

IDAdopted 08/2007P-12
Postsec.
Provides certification to meet the special needs of virtual schools, distant education and public school/postsecondary partnerships. Promotes greater flexibility and increased content competency among teachers and valid certification for higher education faculty serving K-12 classrooms.
adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/rules/idapa08/0202.pdf
Title: IDAPA 08.02.02
Source: adm.idaho.gov

MAIssued 08/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Establishes the Readiness Project to develop a plan to implement fundamental and systemic reforms to public education in the Commonwealth over the next ten years. The project will have three chairs appointed by the Governor. 

The plan will include recommendations to:
(1) Deliver universal and high quality early education for three- and four-year-olds as well as Full-Day kindergarten;
(2) Expand time for teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools;
(3) Extend education an additional two years beyond secondary school to better prepare students for higher education, work and citizenship;
(4) Align curricula from pre-Kindergarten through high school, higher education and work force development, including with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math as well as other subjects and methods that enhance creativity and problem-solving skills;
(5) Structure and support a reasonable degree of school choice, including charter and pilot schools, so that all serve as complementary components of a comprehensive system; (6) Recruit, retain and develop strong educators and administrators at all levels;
(7) Streamline and strengthen teacher certification and licensing;
(8) Improve the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System and introduce additional appropriate standards and assessments to measure other aspects of students' academic development;
(9) Fund the education system adequately, equitably and reliably, including for students with special educational needs;
(10) Facilitate collaboration between and among the Commonwealth's public and private institutions of higher education;
(11) Strengthen the structure and clarify the mission of the institutions that comprise the University of Massachusetts system and all public higher education institutions in the Commonwealth;
(12) Implement an effective and efficient accountability system for students, instructors and administrators from pre-Kindergarten through higher education that enables authorities both to review performance and to target assistance where it is most needed; and
(13) Leverage information technology throughout the system to improve instruction, student acquisition of skills, administrative processes, and the quality of and access to data. implements fundamental and systemic reforms to public education in the Commonwealth over the next 10 years.
http://www.mass.gov/Agov3/docs/Executive%20Orders/executive_order_489.pdf
Title: Executive Order No. 489
Source: http://www.mass.gov

WAIssued 08/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Creates the Governors P-20 Council on early learning, K-12, and higher education. The P-20 Council will include leaders responsible for carrying out education policies and investments within our state and the three advisory committee chairs from the Washington Learns Steering Committee.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/execorders/eo_07-05.pdf
Title: Executive Order No. 5
Source: http://www.governor.wa.gov

HIBecame law without governor's signature 07/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Directs the Hawaii P-20 initiative council to develop and initiate plans for education in Hawaii in the 21st century, including identifying contributors and planners; creating a vision, goals, objectives, and timelines; and organizing meetings and electronic communication.  Provides the general goals of the council are to ensure an engaged, responsible, and productive citizenry in Hawaii in the 21st century that is the expected result of an education system and schools that are coordinated and articulated from earliest teaching to career and workforce preparation and that promote lifelong learning.

Appropriates $ 50,000 each for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 fiscal years to the Hawaii P-20 Initiative Council for the initiation and development of plans for education in Hawaii in the new century.
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/Bills/SB688_CD1_.htm
Title: S.B. 688
Source: www.capitol.hawaii.gov

NVSigned into law 06/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Creates the P-16 Advisory Council to assist in the coordination between elementary, secondary and higher education in the state. Provides for the organization, powers and duties of the council.
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/Bills/SB/SB239_EN.pdf
Title: S.B. 239
Source: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/

NYIssued 05/2007Postsec.(Executive Order No. 14) Establishes the New York State Commission on Higher Education. The Commission's inquiry shall include analysis of:
(a) academic standards and performance in New York's colleges and universities, with particular emphasis on SUNY and CUNY;
(b) access to higher education in New York State and particularly to the SUNY and CUNY systems;
(c) the degree to which public primary and secondary education adequately prepare New York students to enter and succeed in college;
(d) the mission of the State's community colleges, and the proper balance between preparing students to enter four-year institutions upon graduation and to obtain high-value jobs upon graduation;
(e) the extent to which SUNY and CUNY research and degree programs are aligned with economic development objectives of the State and the region of the State where each campus is situated;
(f) the financing of public colleges and universities, including State support, federal support, tuition, alumni support and other sources of income;
(g) the reasonable costs of an education for students in various SUNY and CUNY degree programs, and the available sources and amounts of financial aid for students who need assistance to meet such costs;
(h) the types and amounts of financial support provided by the State to private colleges and universities and their students, and the rationale for such programs;
(i) the degree to which different types of SUNY institutions (i.e. two-year colleges, four-year colleges, technical colleges, university centers and the SUNY schools within Cornell University) are treated and governed similarly or differently within SUNY and by the State;
(j) the degree to which different SUNY campuses are permitted to tailor their offerings, practices and policies to the specific needs of their students, faculties and the surrounding communities; and
(k) the nature of public and community service opportunities and degree requirements afforded and enforced at SUNY, CUNY and more generally in New York's colleges and universities.
http://www.ny.gov/governor/executive_orders/exeorders/14.html
Title: Executive Order No. 14
Source: http://www.ny.gov/governor

RIIssued 05/2007P-12Expands the PK-16 Council by one member: a representative of independent higher education in Rhode Island. http://www.governor.state.ri.us/documents/executiveorders/2007/04_expansion_statewide_pk-16_council.pdf
Title: Executive Order 07/04
Source: http://www.governor.state.ri.us

COIssued 04/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Creates the Governor's P-20 Education Coordinating Council, to be known as the P-20 Council. The purpose of the P-20 Council will be to provide a forum for considering options and providing recommendations for the achievement of the education oriented initiatives found in the Colorado Promise. The council will facilitate statewide conversations and convene subcommittees as needed to discuss and formulate the legislative and policy remedies needed to accomplish the Colorado Promise.
http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/pdf/executive-orders/2007/ExecutiveOrder-GovernorP20.pdf
Title: Exec. Order B 003 07
Source: Colorado Governors Office

NMSigned into law 04/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Directs the higher education department, in collaboration with public post-secondary educational institutions, to use the same student identification number issued to a New Mexico public school student for a student enrolled in a public post-secondary educational institution, including an off-campus instructional program or learning center.
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/07%20Regular/final/SB0211.pdf
Title: S.B. 211
Source: http://legis.state.nm.us/

NYSigned into law 04/2007P-12Directs the commissioner to evaluate the effectiveness of all teacher preparation programs in the state, and the timelines and costs of developing or modifying data systems to collect the necessary data. Provides the study must consider measuring the effectiveness of such programs, based on the academic performance of their students and graduates and through other measures. Directs the commissioner to consult with the chancellors of the State University of New York and the City University of New York, and other representatives of higher education. Directs the commissioner, upon completion of such study, to make recommendations to the board of regents on implementation of such methodologies.

Directs the board of regents to explore the development of a prekindergarten through postsecondary (P-16) data system that tracks student performance from prekindergarten through public colleges in the state, and links students to teachers. Directs the commissioner to consult with other relevant state department and agencies about the feasability of linking the system to other data collection systems containing information relevant to the education of children, including social services information; and to identify barriers to the exchange of data between the P-16 system and social services and other systems under their control and collaborate to facilitate the free exchange of data. Provides such data system must be maintained consistent with applicable confidentiality requirements. Directs the commissioner to report to the board of regents on activities conducted regarding the development of said data system.
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S02107&sh=t
Title: S.B. 2107 - Part A, Section 4
Source: assembly.state.ny.us

TXAdopted 01/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Establishes rules, in cooperation with the commissioner of education, for the implementation of the P-16 College Readiness and Success Strategic Action Plan recommended by the statewide P-16 Council and adopted by the board. Defines the purpose of the P-16 College Readiness and Success Strategic Action Plan:
(a) To increase student success and decrease the number of students enrolling in developmental course work in institutions of higher education, the board, in cooperation with the commissioner of education, shall implement the P-16 College Readiness and Success Strategic Action Plan as recommended by the statewide P-16 Council and adopted by the board pursuant to Texas Education Code, Section 61.0761(a). Sets criteria for participation. Describes the purpose of summer higher education bridge programs: For institutions of higher education to provide public high school students who are not college-ready with appropriate instruction and other activities during summer programs to ensure eligible students achieve college readiness. Establishes processes for program funding and financial aid. http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/GeneralPubs/Agenda/Ag2007_01/VD/VDA1.pdf
Title: 19 TAC 1.4.A.4.3
Source: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us

+ P-3
+ P-3 Child Care
+ P-3 Content Standards and Assessment
+ P-3 Early Intervention (0-3)
+ P-3 Ensuring Quality
+ P-3 Evaluation/Economic Benefits
+ P-3 Family Involvement
+ P-3 Finance
+ P-3 Governance
+ P-3 Grades 1-3
+ P-3 Health and Mental Health
+ P-3 Kindergarten
+ 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 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 Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion--Completion Rates (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Retention/Persistence
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Religion--Prayer/Meditation
+ Rural
+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ 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--District Size
+ 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
+ Special Populations--Migrant Education
+ Special Populations--Military
+ Standards
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ State Policymaking--Ballot Questions
+ 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--Incentives
+ 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--Recruitment and Retention--High-Needs Subjects
+ Teaching Quality--Reduction in Force
+ Teaching Quality--Teacher Rights
+ Teaching Quality--Tenure or Continuing Contract
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining
+ Teaching Quality--Working Conditions
+ 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
+ Urban
+ Whole Child