ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2010 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 2010. 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--Takeovers
+ Accountability--School Improvement
+ Adult Basic Education
+ Assessment
+ Assessment--Accommodations
+ Assessment--College Entrance Exams
+ Assessment--Computer Based
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ 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
+ 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--Choice/Open Enrollment
+ Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment--Research
+ Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Tax Credits
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Civic Knowledge and Literacy
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Alignment
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Censorship
+ Curriculum--Drivers 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
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Equity
+ Federal
+ Finance
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ 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--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
+ 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--Grading Practices
+ Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling
+ 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--Induction Programs and Mentoring
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Preparation
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Preparation--Alternative
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--Hispanic
+ No Child Left Behind--Adequate Yearly Progress
+ No Child Left Behind--Assessment
+ No Child Left Behind--Consequences for Schools
+ No Child Left Behind--Finance
+ 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
+ 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 Kindergarten
+ P-3 Preschool
+ P-3 Teaching Quality/Professional Development
+ Parent/Family
+ Parent/Family--Parent Rights
+ Partnerships--University/School
- Postsecondary
DESigned into law 09/2010P-12
Postsec.
Dissolves the Higher Education Commission as a unit of the state Department of Education and vests the commission's functions with the Delaware Higher Education Office within the Department of Education.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis145.nsf/vwLegislation/HB+482/$file/legis.html?open
Title: H.B. 482
Source: http://legis.delaware.gov/

CASigned into law 08/2010Postsec.Amends 66002, regarding the state Master Plan for Higher Education, to reference "Appreciating Our Past, Ensuring Our Future: A Public Agenda for Public Higher Education in California," the report of the Joint Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education. Adds to the act legislative intent that the master plan review committees be used to guide higher education policy. Further adds to the act legislative intent to outline in statute clear, concise statewide goals and outcomes for effective implementation of the master plan, attuned to the public interest of the people and state. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1901-1950/ab_1901_bill_20100827_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 1901
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

NHSigned into law 06/2010P-12
Postsec.
Requires early childhood programs and postsecondary institutions to submit a report to the department of education containing information on pupil indicators
in the following areas:
(a) Attendance rates.
(b) Annual and cumulative drop-out rates of high school pupils and annual drop-out rates for pupils in grades 7 and 8.
(c) School environment indicators, such as safe-schools data.
(d) Number and percentage of graduating pupils going on to post-secondary education, military service, and advanced placement participation.
(e) Performance on state tests administered pursuant to RSA 193-C and other standardized tests administered at local option.
(f) Expulsion and suspension rates, including in-school and out-of-school suspensions, which shall be reported for each school year.
(g) Number and percentage of classes taught by highly qualified teachers.
(h) Teacher and administrative turnover rates at the school and district levels.

Requires the department of education to collect and integrate such information into the data warehouse. Requires early childhood programs and postsecondary institutions to participate in the unique pupil identification system.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/SB0503.html
Title: S.B. 503
Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us

COSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Provides greater flexibility to improve the financial position of state higher eduation institutions. Requires a common course number system in conjunction with the guaranteed transfer program and to develop articulation agreements for degree programs; relates to the ratio of resident and non- resident students; regulates financial aid eligibility requirements; relates to information technology rules, financial data statements and audits; implements measures to reduce student debt.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2010a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/E7D30EB79557E237872576A80026B0CD?open&file=003_enr.pdf

Title: S.B. 3
Source: http://www.leg.state.co.us

GASigned into law 05/2010P-12
Postsec.
Defines "educational institution" as any K-12 school, child care learning center, or college, university, technical school or other institution of higher learning. Bars any educational institution receiving state funds to enter into a contract for student transportation without first verifying that such carrier is certified by the Public Service Commission or any other similarly required certifying agency.

Also bars a motor common or contract carrier from entering into any contract to transport passengers without first providing all parties with a copy of the carrier's proof of legally required minimum insurance coverage and a number proving the carrier's current certification by the commission, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or any other similarly required certifying agency. Provides that any contract entered into without proof of insurance and/or the carrier's current certification number is void and unenforceable. http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/pdf/sb392.pdf
Title: S.B. 392
Source: www.legis.state.ga.us

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Authorizes the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to match individual student data from the student record enrollment database with individual student financial aid data collected and maintained by the office in order to audit or evaluate federal or state supported education programs as permitted by U.S. Code and Code of Federal Regulations. The office may not release data that personally identifies parents or students other than to employees and contractors of the office.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Provides that institutions are eligible to participate in state student aid programs if the institution is:
•  operated by the state (MnSCU) or the Board of Regents (U of M);
•  privately operated and has academic standards comparable to Minnesota institutions, is licensed or regulated by OHE, participates in federal financial aid programs by July 1, 2010, or has participated in state financial aid programs and requires signed disclosure forms from each enrolled student recognizing it does not participate in federal aid programs; or
•  offers only graduate programs or programs too short for federal financial aid and the institution is registered or licensed by OHE.

A private institution that does not participate in the federal Pell program must participate within three years of an ownership change to continue as an eligible institution, subject to an appeal for a single one-year extension. Any institution that loses eligibility for the federal Pell program is not an eligible institution for state grants.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Increases from 62 to 66 the age at which "senior citizens" can take postsecondary courses at MnSCU and the U of M, paying only an administrative fee.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Clarifies that public and private institutions outside Minnesota offering courses or programs to Minnesota residents must register with OHE
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Declares that a school will be deemed to have ceased operations when the school: (1) has an unscheduled nonemergency closure or cancellation of classes for more than 24 hours without prior notice to the office; (2) announces it is closed or closing; or (3) files for bankruptcy.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Requires the MnSCU board to reduce expenditures by streamlining centrally delivered services.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Requires the U of M and MnSCU to report to the legislature by February 1, 2011, on nanotechnology research and education, including ethical issues and principles for the responsible use to protect health, environment, and workers safety.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

MNSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Directs OHE to monitor the implementation of federal requirements for disclosure of information to students on textbooks, including pricing and other information and report to the legislature by February 1, 2011. Provides an immediate effective date.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S0184.3.html&session=ls86
Title: S.F. 184
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/

NJSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Meant to ease restrictions on public-private partnerships between higher education institutions and private entities, encouraging flexibility in planning and growth at state and county colleges, and creating jobs.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/S1000/920_R3.HTM
Title: S.B. 920
Source: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us

NJIssued 05/2010Postsec.
Community College
Creates the New Jersey Higher Education Task Force. The Task Force will consist of up to 7 members appointed by the Governor who shall serve at his
pleasure. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations for the Governor concerning the State's higher education system. In particular, the Task Force shall consider and make recommendations to improve the overall quality and effectiveness of the State's higher education system.
http://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eocc26.pdf
Title: E.O. 26
Source: whttp://nj.gov

TXAdopted 05/2010Postsec.Establishes new sections 4.285 - 4.293, which establish procedures for annual review of the number of graduates produced by degree programs at institutions of higher education to determine which are low-producing degree programs, and provides remedies for those programs that meet the definition of low-producing.
Sections 4.285, 4.286 and 4.292 are adopted as published in the January 8, 2010 issue of the Texas Register (pp 26-27 of 52): http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0108/0108prop.pdf
Sections 4.287-4.291 are adopted as published in the May 21 issue of the Texas Register (pp 5-6 of 46): http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0521/0521adop.pdf
Title: 19 TAC 4.285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293
Source: www.sos.state.tx.us

ALSigned into law 04/2010Postsec.Relates to the Teachers' Retirement System; authorizes the officers and employees of the Alabama Higher Education Partnership, Inc. (http://www.higheredpartners.org/ ), to participate in the system.

Title: H.B. 585
Source: www.lexis.com

MNVetoed 04/2010Postsec.
Community College
Regulates the transfer of credits within institutions belonging to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H3164.3.html&session=ls86
Title: H.B. 3164
Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov

VASigned into law 03/2010Postsec.
Community College
Requires the president and vice-president of each public institution of higher education, or the superintendent in the case of the Virginia Military Institute, to annually certify in writing to the Department of Emergency Management comprehension and understanding of the institution's crisis and emergency management plan. The bill also provides that each public institution of higher education shall annually conduct a functional exercise in accordance with the protocols established by the institution's crisis and emergency management plan.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+SB608ER+pdf
Title: S.B. 608
Source: http://leg1.state.va.us

VASigned into law 02/2010Postsec.
Community College
Relates to State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; provides that when performing its duty to develop a uniform, comprehensive data information system designed to gather all information necessary to the performance of the Council's duties, the Council may contract with private entities to create de-identified student records for the purpose of assessing the performance of institutions and specific programs relative to the workforce needs of the Commonwealth.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+ful+HB7ER+pdf
Title: H.B. 7
Source: http://leg1.state.va.us

MASigned into law 01/2010Postsec.Creates a state university system for nine current state colleges. Six state colleges will be renamed as Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University. Three specialized state colleges—Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, will retain their existing names but as part of a state university system.
http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/BillText/8999
Title: H.B. 4864
Source: http://www.mass.gov

NJSigned into law 01/2010Postsec.
Community College
Establishes Task Force on Underage Drinking in Higher Education. Defines membership and duties of task force.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/A1500/1145_I1.PDF
Title: S.B. 2491
Source: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us

+ 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 Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Undocumented Immigrants
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Compensation
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Tenure
+ Postsecondary Finance
+ Postsecondary Finance--Efficiency/Performance-Based Funding
+ Postsecondary Finance--Facilities
+ Postsecondary Finance--Revenue and Expenditures
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures--Administrative/Leadership Issues
+ Postsecondary Governance and Structures--State Executives/State Agencies
+ Postsecondary Institutions
+ 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 Students--Adults
+ Postsecondary Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Students--International
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion--Completion Rates (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ 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
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year Round
+ School Climate/Culture
+ 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--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--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--Migrant Education
+ Special Populations--Military
+ Standards
+ Standards--Common Core State Standards
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
+ State Policymaking
+ State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions
+ STEM
+ Student Achievement
+ Student Achievement--Closing the Achievement Gap
+ Student Supports
+ Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance
+ Student Supports--Remediation
+ Student Surveys
+ Students
+ Students--Athletics/Extracurricular Activities
+ Students--Employment
+ Students--K-12 Exchange Students
+ 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--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
+ Teaching Quality--Working Conditions
+ Technology
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Research/Evaluation
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Whole-School Reform Models