ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2008 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 2008. This database is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States (ECS). Most entries are legislative, although rules/regulations and executive orders that make substantive changes are included. Every effort is made to collect the latest available version of policies; in some instances, recent changes might not be reflected. For expediency purposes minimal attention has been paid to style (capitalization, punctuation) and format. To view the documents, click on the blue triangle next to the topic of interest. To view all, press the button located at the top labeled "Expand All."

Please cite use of the database as: Education Commission of the States (ECS) State Policy Database, retrieved [date].

State Status/Date Level Summary
- Accountability
GAAdopted 10/2008P-12Allows school districts to enter into contracts with the state to allow for increased local flexibility and accountability. http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/_documents/doe/legalservices/160-5-1-.33.pdf
Title: GAC 160-5-1-.33
Source: www.doe.k12.ga.us

MASigned into law 08/2008P-12Relates to school district accountability; provides the the makeup of the membership of the advisory council on school and district accountability to develop and administer a post-audit survey to audited districts and an annual survey to any schools and districts receiving technical assistance; creates an Office of School and District Accountability to review and report on the efforts of schools, charter schools, and districts to improve academic achievement by their students.
http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/185/ht04pdf/ht04967.pdf
Title: H.B. 4967
Source: http://www.mass.gov/legis/

NYAdopted 07/2008P-12Adds new rules to establish criteria for determining the reasonable and necessary expenses to be paid by school districts to distinguished educators, and members of school quality review teams and joint intervention teams. Adopted as proposed in April 2, 2008 rules (pages 8-12 of 24): http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2008/apr2/pdfs/rules.pdf
Title: Title 8 NYCRR Section 100.15
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

NJSigned into law 06/2008P-12Establishes Commissioner of Education as the rule- making authority under several school district accountability statutes relating to early termination agreements and revocation of certificates; requires public hearings on proposed regulations.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/A3000/2965_R1.PDF
Title: A.B. 2965
Source: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us

OKAdopted 06/2008P-12Amends rules to require all state accredited schools to follow Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) guidelines related to student eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities, activity absences, number of games allowed, and length of season. OKLAHOMA 15292
Title: OAC 210:35-17-2
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

SCSigned into law 06/2008P-12Revises the Education Accountability Act. Adds poverty, limited English proficiency status, disability status, or other groups required by federal statutes or regulations to the requirement for disaggregation of achievement data. Changes terminology from "improvement" to "growth." Requires the statewide assessment program to specifically include English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies (referred to earlier as "the four academic areas") and to be administered in 2009. Sets and defines student performance levels of "Not Met, Met and Exemplary." Allows publication of the annual report card to be delayed until no later than February 2010. Describes required components of report cards. Requires the state board to create a statewide adoption list of formative assessments for grades 1-9 aligned with state standards in English/language arts and mathematics -- for use beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. Revises other features of assessment and accreditation. d; provide for a designation to signify varying levels of school academic performance; revises provisions regarding education accountability; provides that the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test does not meet certain requirements; provides for use of the monetary savings from revised inspection provisions. http://www.scstatehouse.net/html-pages/house2.html or
http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/prever/4662_20080529.doc
Title: H.B. 4662
Source: http://www.scstatehouse.net

GASigned into law 04/2008P-12Relates to elementary and secondary education; provides that a local school system may enter into a contract with the state board of education for increased flexibility in exchange for increased accountability; relates to waivers to improve student performance; provides exemptions for charter systems.

Authorizes a local superintendent to concurrently serve as a principal, teacher or in another staff position. Authorizes a local superintendent to concurrently serve as superintendent of more than one school system in accordance with the terms of the superintendent's respective contracts and upon approval by each affected local school system.

Bars the state board of education from providing any district with waivers related to class size requirements (excepting hardship provisions); expenditure controls, certification requirements and salary schedule requirements.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/pdf/hb1209.pdf
Title: H.B. 1209
Source: www.legis.state.ga.us

MSSigned into law 04/2008P-12Relates to low performing schools and school districts. Changes the designation of priority schools to schools at risk. Modifies and expands the definition of an at risk school. Commits the Legislature to the appropriation of adequate funds for the support of providing assistance to low-performing schools and districts. Directs the state board to adopt regulations that require districts that receive allocations of adequate education program at-risk funds to specifically target the expenditure of those funds to implement effective programs to serve at-risk students, and that provide the methods by which districts will be held accountable for the expenditure of at-risk funds.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/SB/2600-2699/SB2666SG.pdf
Title: S.B. 2666
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us

MSSigned into law 04/2008P-12Provides that the appointed or elected superintendent of education in an underperforming school district for a specified number of consecutive school years shall be removed from office by the school board at the end of the school year. Provides for the appointment of a new superintendent in the manner provided by law. Provides that an elected superintendent in an underperforming school district who is removed from office shall not be eligible to seek reelection for a certain time period.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/SB/2100-2199/SB2149SG.pdf
Title: S.B. 2149
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/

MSSigned into law 03/2008P-12Creates a task force to study and report on the status of underperforming schools and districts in the state, effectiveness measures for improvement of those schools and school districts and enhancement of accountability and sanctions imposed on those schools and school districts.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/pdf/SB/2400-2499/SB2405SG.pdf
Title: S.B. 2405
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us

UTSigned into law 03/2008P-12Modifies provisions relating to charter schools. Modifies the appointment procedures for the staff director of the State Charter School Board. Modifies provisions relating to the purposes and status of charter schools. Requires the state board of education, in consultation with the State Charter School Board, to adopt rules related to charter school accountability.
http://le.utah.gov/~2008/bills/hbillenr/hb0160.pdf
Title: H.B. 160
Source: le.utah.gov

+ Accountability--Measures/Indicators
+ Accountability--Reporting Results
+ 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
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Alternative Education
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Drugs/Alcohol
+ Attendance
+ Attendance--Truancy
+ Background Checks
+ Bilingual/ESL
+ Business Involvement
+ Career/Technical Education
+ Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Finance
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Research
+ Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment
+ Choice of Schools--Innovation Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Tax Credits
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Alignment
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Environmental Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--International Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Multicultural
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Demographics--Condition of Children/Adults
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ 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--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Local Foundations/Funds
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ Finance--Resource Efficiency
+ Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures
+ Finance--Student Fees
+ Finance--Taxes/Revenues
+ Finance--Taxes/Revenues--Alternative Revenues
+ Governance
+ Governance--Deregulation/Waivers/Home Rule
+ Governance--Ethics/Conflict of Interest
+ Governance--School Boards
+ Governance--School Boards--Training
+ 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--Exit Exams
+ High School--GED (General Education Development)
+ High School--Graduation Requirements
+ High School--International Baccalaureate
+ Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Single-Sex Education
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ Leadership
+ Leadership--District Superintendent
+ 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
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ 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--School Support
+ No Child Left Behind--Special Populations
+ No Child Left Behind--Supplemental Services
+ Online Learning--Digital/Blended Learning
+ Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses
+ P-16 or P-20
+ P-3
+ P-3 Child Care
+ P-3 Early Intervention (0-3)
+ P-3 Ensuring Quality
+ P-3 Evaluation/Economic Benefits
+ P-3 Family Involvement
+ P-3 Finance
+ P-3 Governance
+ P-3 Grades 1-3
+ 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 Finance
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges
+ Postsecondary Institutions--For-Profit/Proprietary
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
+ Postsecondary Participation--Access
+ Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements
+ Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action
+ Postsecondary Participation--Outreach
+ Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion--Completion Rates (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Religion--Scientific Creationism (Evolution)
+ Rural
+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Day/Class Length
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Extended Day Programs
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Summer School
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Week
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year
+ School Safety
+ School Safety--Bullying Prevention/Conflict Resolution
+ School Safety--Code of Conduct
+ School Safety--Corporal Punishment
+ 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/District Structure/Operations
+ School/District Structure/Operations--District Consolidation/Deconsolidation
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Facilities
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Food Service
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Libraries
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Personnel (Non-Teaching)
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Shared Services
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Transportation
+ Service-Learning
+ Special Education
+ Special Education--Federal Law/Regulations
+ Special Education--Finance
+ 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--Military
+ Standards
+ State Comparisons/Statistics
+ 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--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
+ Technology
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Internet Safety
+ Technology--Teacher/Faculty Training
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Urban
+ Urban--Governance
+ Whole Child