ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2009 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 2009. 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--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--College Entrance Exams
+ Assessment--Computer Based
+ Assessment--End-of-Course
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ Assessment--NAEP (NAEP Results and NAEP Organization)
+ Assessment--Performance Based/Portfolio
+ 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--Cyber Charters
+ 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--Vouchers
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Core Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Environmental Education
+ Curriculum--Family Living Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--Home Economics
+ Curriculum--International Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Demographics--Condition of Children/Adults
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Education Research
+ Equity
+ Federal
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Equity
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Litigation
+ 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--Early Colleges/Middle Colleges
+ High School--Exit Exams
+ High School--GED (General Education Development)
+ High School--Graduation Requirements
+ High School--International Baccalaureate
+ Instructional Approaches
+ Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning
+ Instructional Approaches--Single-Sex Education
+ Instructional Approaches--Time/Time on Task
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ International Benchmarking
+ Leadership
+ Leadership--District Superintendent
+ Leadership--District Superintendent--Compensation and Diversified Pay
+ 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
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--Hispanic
+ 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--Report Cards
+ No Child Left Behind--School Support
+ 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 Finance
+ P-3 Governance
+ P-3 Grades 1-3
+ 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--Textbooks
+ Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees
+ Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Prepd/College Savings Plans
+ Postsecondary Faculty
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Compensation
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Intellectual Property
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Teaching Assistants
+ Postsecondary Finance
+ Postsecondary Finance--Efficiency/Performance-Based Funding
+ Postsecondary Finance--Facilities
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges
+ Postsecondary Institutions--For-Profit/Proprietary
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
+ Postsecondary Participation
+ Postsecondary Participation--Access
+ Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements
+ Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action
+ Postsecondary Participation--Outreach
+ Postsecondary Students
+ Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion--Completion Rates (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Retention/Persistence
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Promising Practices
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Reading/Literacy--Adult Literacy
+ Religion
+ Religion--Prayer/Meditation
+ 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
ILSigned into law 08/2009P-12Amends provisions concerning average daily attendance under the state aid formula. Makes changes with respect to days that are used for an in-service training program for teachers and parent-teacher conferences. Authorizes a school board to hold school or schedule teachers' institutes, parent-teacher conferences, or staff development on the third Monday in January (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday); February 12 (Abraham Lincoln's birthday); the first Monday in March (known as Casimir Pulaski's birthday); the second Monday in October (Columbus Day); and November 11 (Veterans' Day), provided that (1) the person(s) honored by the holiday are recognized through instructional activities conducted on that day or, if school is not in session, the school day before or after that day, and (2) a public hearing is held for educators and parents. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/96/SB/PDF/09600SB1956lv.pdf
Title: S.B. 1956
Source: www.ilga.gov/legislation

CASigned into law 07/2009P-12From legislative analysis: Existing law prescribes the minimum length of time for the instructional school year and the minimum number of instructional minutes per schoolday. Existing law imposes fiscal penalties on school districts and county offices of education that fail to maintain those minimum instructional times per school year or schoolday.

Effective 2009–10 through the 2012–13 school years, would authorize a school district, county office of education, and charter school to reduce the equivalent of up to 5 days of instruction or the equivalent number of instructional minutes without incurring the fiscal penalties.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0001-0050/abx4_2_bill_20090728_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 2D - Section 21
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov/

OHSigned into law 07/2009P-12**No funds allocated in the current budget for this center, according to the DOE's H.B. 1 summary document http://www.education.ohio.gov/GD/DocumentManagement/DocumentDownload.aspx?DocumentID=71635**

Authorizes the state superintendent to create the center for creativity and innovation in the department of education. Provides that, if created, the center must help schools in districts, educational service centers, community schools and STEM schools with any of the following:
(1) Designing and implementing strategies and systems that enable schools to become professional learning communities, including:
(a) Mentoring and coaching teachers and support staff
(b) Enabling school principals to focus on supporting instruction and engaging teachers and support staff as part of the instructional leadership team so that teachers and staff may share the responsibility for making and implementing school decisions
(c) Adopting new models for restructuring the learning day or year, such as including teacher planning and collaboration time as part of the school day
(d) Creating smaller schools or smaller units within larger schools to facilitate teacher collaboration to improve and advance the professional practice of teaching and to enhance instruction that yields enhanced student achievement.
(2) Using strategies in collaboration with the teach Ohio program to promote, recruit and enhance the teaching profession, including:
(a) Designing and implementing "grow your own" recruitment and retention strategies to support individuals in becoming licensed teachers, to retain highly qualified teachers, to assist experienced teachers in obtaining licensure in subject areas for which there is need, to assist teachers in earning senior professional educator and lead professional educator licenses, and to assist teachers to grow and develop in the profession
(b) Enhanced conditions for new teachers
(c) Incentives to attract qualified math, science or special education teachers
(d) Developing and implementing a partnership with teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities to help attract teachers qualified to teach in shortage areas
(e) Implementing a program to increase the cultural competency of both new and veteran teachers.
(3) Identifying state policies that impede the adoption of innovative practices and making recommendations to the superintendent of public instruction for the repeal, revision, or waiver of those provisions
(4) Identifying promising programs and practices based on high quality education research and developing models for their early adoption, including research and practices in arts education and creativity
(5) Other duties as assigned by the superintendent of public instruction.

If created, directs the center to promote collaboration between districts and community schools to enhance the academic programs of both and to broaden the application of successful and innovative academic practices developed by community schools. In doing so, directs the center to (1) Study and serve as a clearinghouse of best practices and innovative programming developed and utilized by community schools that could be adopted by school districts; and (2) Identify circumstances in which students could benefit from collaboration between the complementary programs of school districts and community schools.
Pages 1044-1045 of 3120: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_HB_1_EN_N.pdf
Title: H.B. 1 - Section 3301.82
Source: www.legislature.state.oh.us

OHSigned into law 07/2009P-12Directs the state superintendent, by December 31, 2010, to submit to the general assembly a report on the superintendent's findings and recommendations on extending the school year. Page 2839 of 3120: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_HB_1_EN_N.pdf
Title: H.B. 1 - Section 265.70.23
Source: www.legislature.state.oh.us

OHSigned into law 07/2009P-12Section 3306.29: Establishes the Ohio school funding advisory council. Directs the council, by December 1, 2010 and every other year thereafter, to provide recommendations to the state board, the general assembly and the public for revisions to the adequacy components of the evidence-based school funding model . Requires that the recommendations be based on current, high quality research, information provided by school districts, and best practices in operational efficiencies. Requires that the December 2010 recommendations include analysis of the funding model's adequacy in financing for special education, gifted education services, career-technical education, arts education, services for limited English proficient students, and early college high schools.

Also requires the 2010 report to include:
(1) Recommendations for a student-centered evidence-based model that uses a per-pupil level of funding to follow a student to the school that best meets the student's individual learning needs
(2) A study of the extent to which current funding for joint vocational school districts and compact and comprehensive career-technical schools is responsive to state, regional and local business and industry needs, and recommendations for revisions to career-technical education programming and funding
(3) A study of the extent to which the current educational service center system supports school districts in academic achievement, teacher quality, shared educational services, and the purchasing of educational services and commodities, and recommendations for a new regional service delivery system, the educational service system governance structure, and accountability metrics for educational service centers
(4) A study of existing teacher compensation and retirement benefits structures, and recommendations for changes to the systems of teacher compensation and retirement benefits to improve the connections between teacher compensation, teaching excellence and higher levels of student learning
(5) A consideration of whether community schools (charter schools) and STEM schools should be subject to the expenditure and reporting standards and accountability requirements that apply to school districts
(6) An analysis of the effects of open enrollment on students and districts, and recommendations for ensuring that open enrollment policies and financing are equitable for students and districts.

Authorizes the council's analyses and recommendations for 2010 or subsequent biennia to address (but not be limited to):
(1) Strategies and incentives to promote cost-saving measures and efficiencies
(2) Options for adding learning time to the learning year, such as moving educator professional development to summer, adding learning time for children with greater educational needs, accounting for learning time by hours instead of days, and appropriate compensation to districts and staff for providing additional learning time
(3) The adequacy of the model's accounting for and financing of operational costs, including district-level administration and administrative and transportation challenges experienced by low-density and low-wealth school districts, and the effect of those costs on student achievement
(4) The accuacy of the calculation of each component of the funding model, and the model as a whole, in light of current educational needs and practices, and best practices
(5) Options to encourage districts and schools already attaining "excellent" ratings under the state accountability system to go beyond state standards and aspire to higher international norms.

Section 3306.291: Establishes a subcommittee of the Ohio school funding advisory council to study and make recommendations to foster collaboration between school districts and community schools. Directs the subcommittee to recommend fiscal strategies, including changes to the evidence-based funding model, that will provide incentives and compensation for districts and community schools to enter into collaborative agreements resulting in creative and innovative academic programming, and academic and fiscal efficiency. Directs the subcommittee to report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly by September 2010, and periodically thereafter at the direction of the state superintendent.

Section 3306.292: Permits the Ohio school funding advisory council to establish additional subcommittees. Leaves the membership and duties of the additional subcommittees to the discretion of the advisory council. Provides that up to one-half of the members of each additional subcommittee may be individuals who are not members of the council.
Pages 1103-1106 of 3120: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_HB_1_EN_N.pdf
Title: H.B. 1 - Section 3306.29, 3306.291 and 3306.292
Source: www.legislature.state.oh.us

MOSigned into law 06/2009P-12Defines "school term" as a minimum of 174 school days for schools with a 5-day school week or a minimum of 142 school days, as that term
35 is defined in section 160.041, for schools with a four-day school week. 160.041 defines the "minimum school day" as three hours for schools with a 5-day school week or four hours for schools with a 4-day school week in which the pupils are under the guidance and direction of teachers in the teaching process. A "school month" consists of four weeks of 5 days each for schools with a 5-day school week or four weeks of four days each for schools with a 4-day school week.
http://www.senate.mo.gov/09info/pdf-bill/tat/SB291.pdf
Title: S.B. 291 - School Calendar
Source: http://www.senate.mo.gov

NYAdopted 06/2009P-12Amends rule to extend to 2013 the provision allowing use of up to two professional development days for teacher scoring of state assessments. Adopted as published on pages 21-22 of 43: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2009/apr8/pdfs/rules.pdf
Title: Title 8 NYCRR 175.5
Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet

TXSigned into law 06/2009P-12Section 17: Directs the commissioner, in reviewing a funding application for an extended year program, to give priority to districts with high concentrations of educationally disadvantaged students.
Section 18: Brings provisions related to flexible school day program applications in line with provisions outlined in 2009 H.B. 1297 (http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/pdf/HB01297F.pdf)
Section 19: Directs the commissioner of education to distribute funds for life skills programs for student parents. Directs the commissioner to give priority to applicant districts that received funds for such a program the preceding year, and then to districts with the highest concentration of students who are pregant or parents. Specifies that a life skills programs for student parents is required only in districts that receive a state grant for this purpose and any other funds available for the program. Pages 13-16 of 108: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/pdf/HB03646F.pdf
Title: H.B. 3646 - Sections 17-19
Source: www.legis.state.tx.us

MESigned into law 05/2009P-12Directs the Department of Education to provide by rule for a school calendar that is based upon a minimum annual number of hours that is equivalent to the current 180-day school calendar, or for an equivalent amount of hours annually in accordance with rules adopted by the department. At least 175 days or the equivalent must be used for instruction. In meeting the requirement of a 180-day school year or the equivalent, no more than 5 days or the equivalent may be used for in-service education of teachers, administrative meetings, parent-teacher conferences, records' days and similar activities.
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/billpdfs/SP008601.pdf
Title: S.B. 86
Source: http://www.mainelegislature.org/

WASigned into law 04/2009P-12Over a period of eight years, starting in 2011:
Section 104 states that each school district shall make available to students the following minimum instructional offering each school year:
(2) (a) For students enrolled in grade one through twelve, at least a district-wide annual average of one thousand hours...which shall be increased to at least 1080 instructional hours for students enrolled in each of grades seven through twelve and at least 1000 instructional hours for students in each of grades one through six according to an implementation scheduled adopted by the legislature. (b) For students enrolled in kindergarten, at least 450 instructional hours, which shall be inceased to at least 1000 hours according to the implementation schedule under RCW 28A.150.315 (3) The instructional program of basic education provided by each school district shall include: (a) Instruction in the essential academic learning requirements under RCW 28A..655.070; (b) Instruction that provides students the opportunity to complete 24 credits for high school graduation, subject to a phased-in implementation of the 24 credits as established by the legislature. Course distribution requirements may be established by the state board of education under RCW 28A.230.090; (c) If the essential academic learning requirements include a requirement of languages other than English, the requirement may be met by students receiving instruction in one or more American Indian languages; (d) Supplemental instruction and services for underachieving students through the learning assistance program under RCW 28A.165.005 through 28A.165.065; (e) Supplemental instruction and services for eligible and enrolled students whose primary language is other than English through the transitional bilingual instruction program under RCW 28A.180.010 through 28A.180.080; (f) Opportunity for an appropriate education at public expense as defined by RCW 28A.155.020 for all eligible students with disabilities as defined in RCW 28A.155.020
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislature/2261-S.PL.pdf
Title: H.B. 2261--Section 104--Calendar and Credit Hours
Source: http://apps.leg.wa.gov

+ 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--School Size
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Shared Services
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Transportation
+ Service-Learning
+ Special Education
+ 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--Immigrant Education
+ Special Populations--Military
+ Standards
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ 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--Employment
+ 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 Attitudes
+ 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--Teacher/Faculty Training
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Urban
+ Urban--Governance