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
+ 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
CASigned into law 10/2007Postsec.Amends the State University Revenue Bond Act of 1947. Amends the definitions of bonds and revenue bonds and the authority of Trustees to make determinations on the interest rate of such bonds. Authorizes the Trustees to loan or advance proceeds of revenue bonds or revenue bond anticipation notes to any person, state or local government entity, and to enter into loan agreements, leases, installment purchase agreements and similar financing instruments. Chapter 352
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0851-0900/sb_855_bill_20071008_chaptered.pdf
Title: S.B. 855
Source: http://info.sen.ca.gov

CASigned into law 10/2007Postsec.Relates to extending the repeal date of provisions of existing law that set forth the procedures for the adoption of regulations by the Trustees of a California State University, the directing of each campus of the university and University of California and the community colleges board of directors to disclose all exclusive arrangements with banks and other commercial entities to engage in on-campus credit card marketing activities, and California State University vehicle procurement.
Chapter 679
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0251-0300/ab_262_bill_20071014_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 262
Source: http://info.sen.ca.gov/

ALSigned into law 09/2007P-12
Postsec.
Act 2007-415, HB21, is the Education Facilities Excellence Act of 2007. Authorizes the Alabama Public School and College Authority to sell and issue bonds for capital improvements for the support of public education in an amount of $1,070,585,022. The bulk of the funds from this bond issue will be used for facility construction or improvement projects for K-12 schools and higher education buildings. Also creates the Alabama Public School and College Education Incentive Fund and appropriates $55,000,000 from the first bond issue under the act into the incentive fund.
No link to full legislation available.
Link to Alabama Department of Education Grant Application for Capital Expenditures: http://www.alsde.edu/general/APSCE_Incentive_Fund_GRANT_packet.pdf
Title: H.B. 21
Source:

ORIssued 08/2007Community College
Postsec.
Establishes a new process for calculating the Essential Budget Level for the community college support fund. The process will provide a more accurate picture of resources necessary to fully support community colleges in Oregon.
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/eo0712.pdf
Title: Executive Order 07-12
Source: http://governor.oregon.gov

NCSigned into law 07/2007Postsec.
Community College
Implements fiscal efficiencies within the university system and state government as recommended by the University of North Carolina President's Advisory Committee on Efficiency and Effectiveness (PACE).
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/House/HTML/H749v0.html
Title: H.B. 749
Source: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us

TXSigned into law 07/2007Postsec.House Bill 3291 amends the Education Code to prohibit the board of regents of a public college or university from entering into a contract for a permanent improvement project at the college or university under which the college or university makes contractual payments that are not reflected on its financial statement unless the board of regents is specifically authorized to enter into the contract by other law or receives prior approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB03291F.pdf
Title: H.B. 3291
Source: http://www.legis.state.tx.us

AZSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.Relates to establishment of new campuses of the State University System; implements the FY 2007-08 higher education budget; relates to capital projects of, and contracting by, entities of the State Board of Higher Education; expands the tribal community college tax transfer, establishes the Mathematics, Science, and Special Education Teacher Student Loan Program. Chapter No. 265
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/48leg/1r/summary/h.hb2791_06-18-07_astransmittedtogovernor.doc.htm
Title: H.B. 2791
Source: http://www.azleg.gov

HISigned into law 06/2007Postsec.Enacts a new part in chapter 304A, University of Hawaii, to provide for facilities improvement and university development; repeals existing University of Hawaii facilities improvement and university development law. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/Bills/SB1154_CD1_.htm
Title: S.B. 1154
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

NVSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.
Community College
Increases revenue bonding authority of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/Bills/SB/SB455_EN.pdf
Title: S.B. 455
Source: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/Bills/SB/SB455_EN.pdf

NVSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.Authorizes the creation of tax increment areas by cooperative agreement between a city and the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada in certain circumstances.
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/Bills/SB/SB374_EN.pdf
Title: S.B. 374
Source: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/

OKSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.Relates to the Education Lottery Trust Fund and higher education. On or after July 1, 2008, twelve percent (12%) of the revenue derived pursuant to this paragraph shall be apportioned monthly to the General Revenue Fund and eighty-eight percent (88%) of such revenue shall be apportioned to the Education Reform Revolving Fund; Not later than November 1, 2007, and November 1 of each subsequent year, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall estimate the amount of revenue they deem necessary to fund awards allowed pursuant to the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Act, for the fiscal year which begins the following July 1 and provide such estimate to the State Board of Equalization; amends eligibility standards so that a student must be a United States citizen or lawfully present in the United States. Provides for GPA and standardized testing qualifications; requires students to comply with codes of conduct of the institution of higher education; provides for program contact person designation for students not attending public or private school.
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/SB/SB820_ENR.RTF
Title: S.B. 820
Source: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us

OKSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.Authorizes the Capitol Improvement Authority, consistent with the statutes pertaining to the State Regents' Endowment Trust Fund, to establish a program to provide for double the amount ($100 million) of advance funding of the state's contribution to endowed chairs, professorships, lectureships and positions for artists in residence at the various institutions in the State System of Higher Education; modifies authorized indebtedness; modifies provision related to approval of obligations.
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/HB1137_ENR.RTF
Title: H.B. 1137
Source: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us

TXVetoed 06/2007P-12
Postsec.
From bill analysis: Requires that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) master plan be geared toward preparing Texas college students for participating in the public affairs of the state as well as the global economy. This bill requires the master plan to define the missions and roles of public institutions of higher education in a way consistent with state needs and goals; establish more effective methods for funding higher education; establish a coherent long-term financial aid strategy that takes into account both needs and merit; strengthen collaboration between two-year and four-year institutions; and develop and institutionalize long-term collaboration between primary, secondary, and higher education.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/SB01234F.pdf
Title: S.B. 1234
Source: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us

INSigned into law 05/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Recodifies the law governing higher education. Changes references in provisions that cross reference to the law being recodified. Makes related changes. Repeals obsolete provisions. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the code revision commission.)
Title: S.B. 526 (omnibus) - Recodification of Higher Education Code
Source: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/SE/SE0526.1.html

INSigned into law 05/2007P-12
Postsec.
Allows nonprofit colleges and universities in the state to work together to create bonding pools that would allow them to share the risk of borrowing funds. Requires that the funds from the bonds be used either to construct or renovate a school facility or for insurance reserves.
Title: S.B. 526 (omnibus) - Chapter 16.5
Source: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/SE/SE0526.1.html

MOSigned into law 05/2007Postsec.
Community College
Increases the amount of the Bright Flight scholarships from $2,000 to $3,000 beginning with fiscal year 2011. Beginning with fiscal year 2011, students with test scores between the top five percent and the top three percent qualify for a scholarship of $1,000. Creates the Access Missouri Financial Assistance program, defines eligibility criteria and maximum and minimum financial awards. Repeals Gallagher student financial assistance and college guarantee programs and directs that certain gambling boat boarding fee revenue that currently goes to the Missouri College Guarantee Fund be instead deposited into the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program.

Enacts the Higher Education Student Funding Act, limiting tuition increases that institutions may charge. Grants Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MoHELA) authority to transfer assets of the authority to the newly created Lewis and Clark Discovery Fund. Requires MoHELA to distribute $350 million of assets of the authority to the fund not later than September 30, 2013. Moneys in the fund may be appropriated by the general assembly only for funding for capital projects at public colleges and universities and funding for the Missouri Technology Corporation's ability to work with colleges and universities in identifying opportunities for commercializing technologies. Directs the department of economic development to allocate a percentage of the state ceiling for private activity bonds to MoHELA.
http://www.senate.mo.gov/07info/pdf-bill/tat/SB389.pdf
Title: S.B. 389 [Postsecondary Finance]
Source: http://www.senate.mo.gov

NESigned into law 05/2007Postsec.
Community College
Adopts the community college foundation and equalization aid act to be used to provide state aid to community college areas. Amends provisions governing the six areas' property tax levying authority, specifies data elements to be utilized in the computation of annual community college aid distribution as well as derivation of property tax levying authority each year. Directs the coordinating commission for postsecondary education to annually collect data necessary for computation of community
college state aid distribution and property tax levying authority.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB342.pdf
Title: L.B. 342
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/

ARSigned into law 04/2007Postsec.Improves retention and graduation rates at public colleges and universities by providing a mechanism to distribute incentive funding for improved student outcomes.
Requires Higher Education Coordinating Board to design the measurement and mechanism by July 1, 2009. (Act No. 1592)
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ftproot/bills/2007/public/HB2325.pdf
Title: H.B. 2325
Source: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us

NMVetoed 04/2007Postsec.
Community College
Relates to higher education. Provides a threshold amount for capital expenditures. Requires state board of finance approval.
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/07%20Regular/final/SB0264.pdf
Title: S.B. 264
Source: http://legis.state.nm.us/

MSSigned into law 03/2007Postsec.
Community College
Makes changes to the calculation of state-aid for public junior and community colleges.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2007/html/SB/2300-2399/SB2364PS.htm
Title: S.B. 2364
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us

MSSigned into law 03/2007Postsec.
Community College
Authorizes bond issuance for institutions of higher learning and community/junior college capital improvements.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2007/html/HB/0200-0299/HB0246SG.htm
Title: H.B. 246
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/

UTSigned into law 03/2007Postsec.Appropriates monies to institutions of higher education in the state to provide increased degree opportunities in high-demand academic areas through partnerships and regional programs. http://le.utah.gov/~2007/bills/hbillenr/hb0185.htm
Title: H.B. 185
Source: http://www.le.state.ut.us/

WYSigned into law 02/2007Postsec.Designates monies within certain higher education accounts, including the Excellence in Higher Education and Hathaway student scholarship endowment funds, as inviolate funds pursuant to article 15, section 20 of the Wyoming Constitution; prohibits expenditure of funds' principal and provides for investment by the state treasurer in authorized stock; provides for use of earnings and remittance of monies from the funds; and establishes a spending policy and reserve account for the Excellence in Higher Education endowment fund. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2007/Enroll/SF0155.pdf
Title: S.B. 155
Source: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2007/bills.htm

WYSigned into law 02/2007P-12
Postsec.
Allows additional mills or taxes approved on or after April 1, 2007 to be used for the regular support and operation and for
the capital outlay needs of a community college, including facility repair, maintenance, construction and renovation needs. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2007/Enroll/SF0058.pdf
Title: S.B. 58
Source: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2007/bills.htm

+ 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