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
+ 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
LAAdopted 12/2007P-12Amends sections of Bulletin 996 - Standards for Approval of Teacher Education Programs. Clarifies the process of moving from second-stage approval to national accreditation or state approval by new or reinstated public and private teacher preparation units. Pages 2607-2608: http://doa.louisiana.gov/osr/reg/0712/0712.doc#_Toc185922095
Title: LAC 28:XLV.205 and 207
Source: doa.louisiana.gov/osr/reg

MIEnacted 11/2007P-12
Postsec.
Provides for an increase in teacher certification fees; provides for the review and approval of teacher preparation institutions and their subject specialty programs.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/publicact/pdf/2007-PA-0144.pdf
Title: H.B. 4591
Source: Michigan Legislature

ALAdopted 08/2007P-12Repeals and replaces rules to require background clearance for admission to the internship and to clarify field experience requirements for graduate programs. Adds an option for teachers of American Sign Language. Prepares individuals for certification in Sport Management. Changes the program review cycle from five to seven years. Makes editorial changes to ensure consistency and clarity in wording. http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/ed/MsofWord3ED3.pdf
Title: AAC 290-3-3
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

ILSigned into law 08/2007P-12
Postsec.
Amends the Educational Partnership Act. Provides that public institutions of higher education that have approved teacher education programs may engage pre-service teacher candidates in the tutorial services for elementary and secondary students in need of such services, as provided in the act. Allows qualified students to receive compensation for such tutorial services while also receiving academic or clinical experience credit or both. Adds an immediate effective date. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/95/HB/PDF/09500HB0223lv.pdf
Title: H.B. 223
Source: www.ilga.gov/legislation

ILSigned into law 08/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Subject to appropriation, requires the state board of education to develop a secondary-level agricultural science teacher training continuum and to provide incentive funding grants to the agriculture science teacher education programs at Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University, the University of Illinois, and Western Illinois University. Provides that public community colleges that provide an articulated agriculture science teacher education course of study are also eligible for funding.

Provides that program funds may be used for the following purposes:
(1) Teacher education candidate recruitment and retention incentives.
(2) Having master teachers and practitioners assist with the preparation, coordination, and supervision of student teachers.
(3) Establishing and delivering professional development experiences for new teachers during their first 5 years of teaching.
(4) Professional development for university agriculture education teacher education staff.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/95/HB/PDF/09500HB1922lv.pdf
Title: H.B. 1922
Source: www.ilga.gov/legislation

INSigned into law 05/2007P-12
Postsec.
Authorizes the board of trustees of Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University or Purdue University to establish a university-administered school in any county in Indiana in which the institution is situated. Allows a district board to enter into a contract with the board of trustees of one of the authorized institutions to educate students in a university-administered school.

Authorizes the board of trustees of Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University or Purdue University to establish at the institution's main campus laboratory schools for:
        (1) developing, testing, and evaluating new methods of instruction and materials;
        (2) comparing new methods with conventional methods in use; and
        (3) training teachers in new methods of instruction and materials, as is found acceptable.
Directs an institution operating a laboratory school to prepare an annual report containing:
        (1) a comparison of the results obtained by the new methods of instruction with the conventional methods of instruction; and
        (2) the new methods of instruction recommended for general use in public schools.

Authorizes Ball State University to establish the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities as a laboratory school. Provides the academy must serve as both a public, residential high school and a program for public school educators. Authorizes Indiana University to establish the Indiana School for the Arts as a laboratory school. Provides the school must serve as both a public, residential high school and a program for public and nonpublic school educators. Directs both the academy for science, mathematics and humanities and the school for the arts to:
(1) establish an advisory committee that represents the education and business communities in Indiana (in the case of the academy) and the education and the arts communities in Indiana (in the case of the school for the arts);
(2) determine the standards for admissions and the curricula and courses of study to be offered;
(3) develop curriculum material for distribution and use throughout the public school system;
(4) develop programs to encourage interaction with public school educators (and nonpublic school educators, in the case of the school for the arts);
(5) make curriculum material available to students in public schools throughout Indiana by the use of telecommunications technology; and
(6) establish cooperative arrangements with private and public entities in order to effectively operate the program.

Authorizes the board of trustees of Vincennes University to establish a grammar school to teach foreign languages.
Title: S.B. 526 (omnibus) - Article 24.5
Source: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/SE/SE0526.1.html

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

WASigned into law 04/2007P-12Enacts provisions addressing a state leadership academy, teacher preparation and certification programs, teacher professional development programs, and a teacher recruitment
program are enacted.

Establishes a public-private partnership to develop, pilot, and implement the Washington State Leadership Academy to enhance leadership skills of school and district administrators.
The partnership will include the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the associations of school principals, the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), institutions of higher education, nonprofit foundations, the Educational Service Districts (ESDs), the state school business officers' association, and other entities identified by the partners. The partners must designate an independent organization to act as a fiscal agent and establish a board of directors. The board of directors of the academy must make recommendations for changes in superintendent and principal preparation programs, the administrator licensure system, and continuing education requirements. Initial development of the courses and activities must be supported by private funds. The board of directors must report to OSPI semiannually on financial contributions and annually on services, participants, and plans for future development. Within specified timelines, the PESB must complete the following tasks: adopt new math knowledge and skill standards for all individuals seeking an initial teaching certificate; adopt new teacher certification requirements addressing mathematics content for elementary or middle school teachers and high school mathematics teachers; set performance standards and develop a uniform, externally administered professional-level teacher certification assessment; and review and revise teacher preparation program requirements to focus on diversity in cultural knowledge and respect. The Recruiting Diverse Washington Teachers Program is established to recruit and provide training and support for diverse high school students to enter the teaching profession, including targeted recruitment; academic and community support services for students to help them overcome possible barriers, such as tutoring, advising, and mentoring; and camps and workshops on college campuses. The program will be administered by the PESB.
http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202007/5955-S2.SL.pdf
Title: S.B. 5955
Source: http://www.leg.wa.gov

ALAdopted 03/2007Postsec.Repeals and replaces the present standards for the professionalstudies component of Class B teacher education programs with the Alabama QualityTeaching Standards developed by the Governor's Commission on Quality Teaching. ALABAMA 7840 (Rule Adoption 3/08/07)
http//www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/ed/index.html
Title: AAC 290-3-3-.04
Source: www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us

COSigned into law 03/2007Postsec.Changes statues to require the review of teacher preparation programs not more frequently than once every five years. Previous language required review at least every five years.

http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/Clics2007A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/E1BDE5AD5E5AA3FC87257251007B7A81?Open&file=019_enr.pdf
Title: S.B. 19
Source: Colorado Legislature

OHAdopted 03/2007P-12Amends rules regarding teacher education programs. Incorporates references to new standards for what teachers should know and be able to do andestablishes student teaching requirements. Rescinds rules regarding performance-based licensure. Approval of teacher education institutions is to be based on evidence of coursework and experiences designed to include the following [revisions]: (1) Ohio standards for the teaching profession adopted by the state board of education (available on the educator standards board's website at http://esb.ode.state.oh.us/communications/standards.aspx). (3) Academic content standards (available on the Ohio department of education's website at
http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?Page=2&TopicRelationID=305) and curriculum models adopted by the state board of education . . . (available on the Ohio department of education's website at http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEPrimary.aspx?
page= 2&TopicRelationID=308); (4) Minimum standards for elementary and secondary schools prescribed by the state board of education . . . (5) The value-added progress dimension implemented by the Ohio department of education for elementary and secondary schools (available on the Ohio department of education's website at http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=1&Content=17029) and methods of interpreting
such data; and (6) A minimum of twelve weeks of full-time student teaching and a minimum of one-hundred clock hours of field experiences prior to student teaching.
http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/pdfs/3301/0/24/3301-24-03_PH_FF_A_RU_20070313_1446.pdf
Title: OAC 3301-24-02, -03
Source: http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us

SDSigned into law 03/2007P-12Adds support activities related to school accreditation and teacher training and retention to the list of purposes for use of the State Institute Fund by the Department of Education.
http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2007/bills/SB68enr.pdf
Title: S.B. 68
Source: http://legis.state.sd.us

OHAdopted 01/2007P-12Amends requirements for the standards teacher preparation institutions must follow. http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/pdfs/3301/0/24/3301-24-03_PH_RV_A_RU_20070103_1509.pdf
Title: 3301-24-03
Source: http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us

WAAdopted 01/2007Postsec.Provides more specific processes and procedures to assess higher education professional educator preparation programs for state approval and review relating to endorsement program approval for residency certificate teacher preparation programs. http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/wsr/2006/24/06-24-083.htm
Title: WAC 181-82A-206
Source: http://www.leg.wa.gov/codereviser/washington%20state%20register/

+ 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