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
+ 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
NYEmergency Rule Adoption 11/2008Postsec.
Community College
Amends rules to increase tuition for students in all degree programs in the State University of New York, including two- and four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs leading to a master's, doctor's, and other professional-level degree programs.
Title: Title 8 NYCRR 302.1
Source: www.lexis.com

CAVetoed 09/2008Postsec.Requires the Trustees of the California State University and the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, and requests the Regents of the University of California to establish procedures and forms that enable persons who are exempt from paying nonresident tuition under existing law, or who meet equivalent requirements adopt by the regents, to be eligible to receive institutional financial aid awards. Defines such awards. Provides such awards to not include a fee waiver.
Title: S.B. 1301
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

CAVetoed 09/2008Postsec.Expands the number of employment training programs of the Employment Training Panel that qualify for priority funding to include projects that support veterans and members of the State National Guard, especially individuals who have become disabled as a result of their military service. Requires the panel to include in its 3-year plan, goals, objectives, and strategies to support target populations, including veterans.
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm
Title: A.B. 3066
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2008P-12
Postsec.
Expands educational loan assumption program eligibility to include an applicant who agrees to teach on a part- time basis for a specified number of academic years in a public school and a credentialed teacher who is teaching at a public schooled ranked among the lowest deciles on the Academic Performance Index. Limits the number of loan assumption agreements that can be provided to specified credentialed teachers. Deletes the authority to provide agreements to out-of-state teachers. Chapter 516
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm
Title: S.B. 1158
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

CAVetoed 09/2008Postsec.Relates to student financial aid programs. Requires a public or private postsecondary educational institution to make specified disclosures related to private student loans in financial aid material, to distinguish private loans from federal loans in individual financial aid awards, and for any private loan lender list, to provide general information on the terms of the loan available through the lender, and to disclose the reason for each lender's inclusion on the list. Provides exceptions.
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm
Title: S.B. 1355
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2008Postsec.Creates the State Scholarshare Advancement Vehicle for Education program to fund scholarships for beneficiaries to be determined by the Scholarshare Investment Board and the CalSAVE account, a continuously appropriated fund, within the program fund. Authorizes contributions from any person, firm partnership, or corporation, to be deposited into the CalSAVE account even if not designated for a specified beneficiary. Creates subaccounts within the CalSAVE account for each category of beneficiary. Chapter 474
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm
Title: S.B. 1457
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

CASigned into law 08/2008Postsec.Revises the minimum requirements for the competitive Cal Grant B award to additionally authorize a student, in lieu of meeting the high school grade point average, to demonstrate attainment of a specified community college or college grade point average. Repeals the statute authorizing a governing board of a community college district to contract out the operation of bookstores. Chapter 235
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm
Title: A.B. 2260
Source: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

IDAdopted 08/2008Postsec.Amends rules relating to residency classification. Clarifies additional factors a student may use to establish residency for tuition purposes at a state public postsecondary institution.
http://www2.state.id.us/adm/adminrules/rules/idapa08/08index.htm
Title: IDAPA 08.02.02
Source: http://www2.state.id.us

OHAdopted 08/2008Postsec.
Community College
Amends rules regarding student residency for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes. "Resident" shall mean any person who maintains a twelve-month place or places of residence in Ohio, who is qualified as a resident to vote in Ohio and receive state public assistance and who may be subjected to tax liability, provided such person has not, within the time prescribed by this rule, declared himself or herself to be or allowed himself or herself to remain a resident of any other state or nation for any of these or other purposes.
http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/3333-1-10

Title: OAC 3333-1-10
Source: http://codes.ohio.gov/

LASigned into law 07/2008Postsec.
Community College
Authorizes the public postsecondary education management boards to establish tuition and mandatory fee amounts for resident students; provides for adjustments to such amounts; relates to certain guidelines established by the Board of Regents; provides for waivers.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=505292
Title: H.B. 734
Source: http://www.legis.state.la.us/

NCSigned into law 07/2008Postsec.
Community College
Waives fees as well as tuition for residents over the age of 65 attending classes at a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina or at a community college.
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2007/Bills/House/PDF/H1076v0.pdf
Title: H.B. 1076
Source: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us

FLSigned into law 06/2008Postsec.Relates to state university student fees; revises requirements for the Board of Governors in establishing tuition and out-of-state fees for graduate and professional programs; revises requirements for the Board of Governors in establishing a uniform maximum undergraduate tuition differential for universities that have research and development expenditures.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0745er.xml&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0745&Session=2008
Title: H.B. 745
Source: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/

COSigned into law 05/2008Postsec.
Community College
Allows members of the Colorado National Guard who are eligible for in-state tuition status to receive college opportunity fund moneys.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2008a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/C30A40B345FA9950872573E6005E0D8E?open&file=166_enr.pdf
Title: S.B. 166
Source: http://www.leg.state.co.us/

MOSigned into law 05/2008P-12
Postsec.
Allows the State to enter into the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children which applies to school age children of active duty uniformed members of the military forces of the United States including the National Guard and Reserve members, children of members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired and members who have died on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained while on active duty.
Title: H.B. 1678
Source: http://www.house.state.mo.us

COSigned into law 04/2008Postsec.
Community College
Allows a member of the Colorado National Guard to receive tuition assistance when enrolled at a private institution of higher education in a certificate or degree program in homeland security.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2008a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/676553E59D3DACB9872573680054EED8?open&file=1252_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1252
Source:

KYSigned into law 04/2008Postsec.
Community College
Includes in the list of schools in which a student can enroll and receive a tuition grant an approved out-of-state postsecondary education institution licensed by the Council on Postsecondary Education to operate in the state and that is accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association and whose institutional programs are not composed solely of sectarian instruction.

Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, requires all independent colleges and universities, as well as all out-of-state postsecondary education institutions licensed by the Council on Postsecondary Education to operate in the state, and whose institutional programs are not composed solely of sectarian instruction, to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to remain an eligible institution in which a student may enroll and receive a Kentucky tuition grant. Requires programs or campuses of any out-of-state postsecondary education institution licensed by the Council on Postsecondary Education to operate in the state and whose institutional programs are not composed solely of sectarian instruction, but in which accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is not an option, to be reviewed and approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education based on accreditation criteria that mirrors Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation criteria in order to qualify as an eligible institution in which a student may enroll and receive a Kentucky tuition grant.

Authorizes each two- and four-year public postsecondary institution that provides in-state tuition for nonresident children of graduates to provide the same in-state tuition for nonresident siblings of graduates. http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/08RS/HB694/bill.doc
Title: H.B. 694
Source: www.lrc.ky.gov

NESigned into law 04/2008Postsec.
Community College
Provides that if a member of the State National Guard enrolled in any state-supported university, college, or community college or any independent, not-for-profit, regionally accredited college or university is unable to complete his or her course of study within a specified time period due to deployment, the Adjutant General may extend the entitlement period for such member; requires the member to maintain satisfactory performance with the guard and pursue his or her course of study in such institution.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Slip/LB746.pdf
Title: L.B. 746
Source: http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov

IDSigned into law 03/2008Postsec.Amends existing law relating to scholarships to provide for additional scholarship eligibility for dependents of a member of the armed forces who has become disabled by injuries or wounds sustained in action. Chapter 185
http://www3.idaho.gov/oasis/S1407.html
Title: S.B. 1407
Source: http://www3.idaho.gov

IDSigned into law 03/2008Community College
Postsec.
Amends existing law to revise the maximum tuition community colleges may charge full-time students; removes a provision regarding the tuition to be paid by all other students taking such courses.
http://www3.idaho.gov/oasis/H0385.html
Title: H.B. 399
Source: http://www3.idaho.gov

IDSigned into law 03/2008Postsec.Amends existing law relating to public institutions of higher education to revise definitions; to provide a presumption for being in Idaho primarily for educational purposes; and to provide that a certain period of enrollment does not count toward the establishment of a bona fide domicile in Idaho unless the student proves certain specified factors. Chapter 226
http://www3.idaho.gov/oasis/H0401.html
Title: H.B. 401
Source: http://www3.idaho.gov

IDSigned into law 02/2008Postsec.Amends existing law relating to higher education to revise the definition of resident student to include an officer or an enlisted member of the Idaho National Guard.
Chapter No. 66
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov
Title: H.B. 385
Source: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov

SDSigned into law 02/2008Postsec.Provides for the funding of reduced tuition programs for veterans and teachers.
http://legis.state.sd.us
Title: H.B. 1224
Source: http://legis.state.sd.us

SDSigned into law 02/2008Postsec.An act to revise certain eligibility requirements for the state Opportunity Scholarship.
http://legis.state.sd.us
Title: S.B. 201
Source: http://legis.state.sd.us

+ 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