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
+ 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
ILSigned into law 08/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Amends the Whistleblower Act. Provides that an "employer" as defined in the act includes:
(1) A political subdivision of the state
(2) A unit of local government
(3) A school district, combination of school districts, or governing body of a joint agreement of any type formed by two or more school districts
(4) A community college district, state college or university, or any state agency whose major function is providing educational services
(5) Any authority including a department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other agency of these entities
(6) Any person acting within the scope of his or her authority on behalf of those entities in dealing with its employees.

Deletes an exemption for government entities. Prohibits retaliation. Adds to list of false claims for which a person is liable for penalties.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/95/HB/PDF/09500HB0742lv.pdf
Title: H.B. 742
Source: /www.ilga.gov/legislation

NYSigned into law 08/2007P-12From bill analysis on New York State United Teachers Web site: Extends for another five years (to 2012), chapter 658 of the laws of 2002, which enabled a legal resident whose immigration status is that of a lawful permanent U.S. resident and who would otherwise be eligible and qualified to serve as a teacher, to apply for and to receive permanent certification as a teacher. http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08975&sh=t
Title: A.B. 8975
Source: www.nysut.org

NCSigned into law 07/2007P-12Modifies the law pertaining to the confidentiality of school personnel files. Provides that information contained in a personnel file that is relevant to possible criminal misconduct may be made available to law enforcement and the district attorney to assist in the investigation of arson, theft or embezzlement of board of education property, or required reporting by a school principal of certain crimes occurring on school premises.
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/House/HTML/H550v0.html
Title: H.B. 550
Source: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us

CASigned into law 06/2007P-12Gives public school employees the right to represent themselves individually in their employment relations with the public school employer, except that once the employees in an appropriate unit select an exclusive representative and it is recognized or certified, the employee in that unit would be prohibited from meeting and negotiating with the public school employer. Chapter No. 21
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm
Title: A.B. 1194
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

ORSigned into law 06/2007P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Allows person claiming to be aggrieved by unlawful discrimination to file civil action in circuit court. No action shall be filed unless, within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, a grievance has been filed with the school district board, public charter school governing body, community college board of education or State Board of Higher Education (this provision formerly applied only to higher education).
http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measpdf/hb2900.dir/hb2906.en.pdf
Title: H.B. 2906
Source: http://www.leg.state.or.us

GASigned into law 05/2007P-12Enacts the Grade Integrity Act of 2007. Provides that no classroom teacher shall be required, coerced, intimidated, or disciplined in any manner to change the grade of a student. Provides that a violation of this provision constitutes an ethical violation reportable to the professional standards commission. http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/pdf/sb9.pdf
Title: S.B. 9
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

INSigned into law 05/2007P-12Requires an individual to have training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, removing obstructions to a person's airway and the Heimlich maneuver before obtaining an initial license as a teacher.

Creates a new chapter on care of students with diabetes. Requires that a diabetes management and treatment plan as well as an individualized health plan be prepared and implemented for each student with diabetes for use during school hours or at a school related activity. Requires that the diabetes management and treatment plan be submitted to the school nurse, and that the school nurse be involved in the development of the individualized health plan. Requires the school principal at each school serving a student with diabetes to seek school employees to serve as volunteer health aides, and work to ensure that the school has an adequate number of volunteer health aides to care for students.

Authorizes the department to cooperate with the state department of health to develop a diabetes training program for school nurses and for volunteer health aides. Directs the department to provide annual diabetes training programs to school nurses and volunteer health aides that includes technological advances, current standards of practice for diabetes management and training, and instruction in specific topics.

Directs a school nurse, or under specified circumstances, a volunteer health aide, to perform the tasks necessary to assist a student in carrying out the student's individualized health plan. Requires schools to allow students to engage in specific activities, such as administering insulin, if the student has been evaluated and determined to be capable of doing so as reflected in the student's individual health plan and the student's diabetes management and treatment plan. Requires school transportation staff or staff supervising a student with diabetes in an off-campus activity to be provided with an information sheet identifying the student, the potential emergencies that may occur as a result of the diabetes and appropriate responses to an emergency, and emergency contact information.

Adds that a school or school board may not require a teacher or other school employee who is not employed as a school nurse or physician to administer health care services, basic life support, or other services that require the teacher or employee to place the teacher's or employee's hands on a pupil for therapeutic or
sanitary purposes. Also provides a school or school board may not discipline a teacher or other school employee who refuses to administer health care services, basic life support, or other services that require the teacher or employee to place the teacher's or employee's hands on a pupil for therapeutic or sanitary purposes. Establishes immunity for acts or omissions by a teacher who has been trained in CPR, the Heimlich maneuver or removing obstructions to a person's airway.

Requires a school corporation, in reporting average daily membership (ADM) for the 2007-2008 school year, to also report the number of school nurses and the number of students, by disease category, who have a chronic disease, including asthma, diabetes, and any other disease the department of education determines is significant for the school corporation to report.
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/PDF/HE/HE1116.1.pdf
Title: H.B. 1116
Source: www.in.gov/legislative

TXSigned into law 05/2007P-12From bill analysis: Currently, a school district employee who needs to report a grievance against a supervisor must report the grievance to their supervisor if the school district to which the employee belongs does not have a provision in its grievance policy to allow employees to report a grievance to another supervisor. H.B. 1622 requires that the grievance policy of a school district include a provision allowing employees to report a grievance against a supervisor to a supervisor other than the supervisor against whom a grievance is being reported.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB01622F.pdf
Title: H.B. 1622
Source: http://www.legis.state.tx.us

TXSigned into law 05/2007P-12Prohibit school districts from requiring district employees to waive immunity from liability for acts for which they are immune from liability under Section 22.0511, Education Code, or require an employee who acts in good faith to pay for or replace property that is or was in the employee's possession because of an act incident to or within the scope of employment, or require an employee who acts in good faith to pay for certain equipment that is damaged, stolen, misplaced, or not returned, except under certain limited circumstances.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/SB00370F.pdf
Title: S.B. 370
Source: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us

INSigned into law 04/2007P-12Allows a nonpermanent teacher ten days to request a conference with the governing body after receiving a notice of nonrenewal of the teacher's contract; provides that the governing body may not take action concerning the nonrenewal of the teacher's contract until after the ten day period has ended. http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/PDF/HE/HE1489.1.pdf
Title: H.B. 1489
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

+ 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