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
+ 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
TXAdopted 12/2010P-12Residential Facility Monitoring; Determinations, Investigations, and Sanctions
19 TAC 97.1072
Creates new s.97.1072, concerning residential facility monitoring. Implements the requirements of the Texas Education Code (TEC), the Indivi...

More...
CASigned into law 10/2010P-12Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities
A.B. 1610 - Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities
From bill summary: Existing law requires the superintendent of public instruction to develop, and the state board of education to adopt, reg...

More...
CAVetoed 09/2010P-12Special Needs Students in Foster Care System
S.B. 1059
From bill analysis: Clarifies which local educational agency is responsible for the provision and payment of special education services for ...

More...
DESigned into law 09/2010P-12Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child's Bill or Rights
H.B. 283
This bill creates certain rights for children who are deaf or hard of hearing in the Delaware School System.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/l...

More...
NJSigned into law 09/2010P-12State Funding for Special Education Services
A.B. 2300
Clarifies that a school district is eligible to receive and use chapter 193 State funding to provide special education evaluation services t...

More...
CASigned into law 08/2010P-12Technology-Based Materials as Part of Instructional Materials
A.B. 1742
Adds that a nonpublic, nonsectarian school that provides K-12 special education services must, in providing state-adopted, standards-based, ...

More...
GAAdopted 07/2010P-12Student Seclusion and Restraint
160-5-1-.35
Establishes rules for appropriate use of seclusion (including time-out) and restraint for all students, when necessary for student safety.
h...

More...
ILSigned into law 07/2010P-12Eligibility for Transition Services
H.B. 5688
Provides that a child with a disability who receives residential and educational services from or paid by the department of human services i...

More...
NYSigned into law 07/2010P-12Physical Therapy Assistants
A.B. 9959
Extends the law allowing physical therapy assistants to provide services in public and private primary and secondary schools to 2015. http:/...

More...
AKAdopted Text or Summary of Text 06/2010P-12Nonstandardized Assessment Administrative Manual
4 AAC 06.775
The Department of Education & Early Development proposes to adopt regulation changes in Title 4 of the Alaska Administrative Code, 4 AAC 06....

More...
CASigned into law 06/2010P-12Full Funding for IDEA
A.J.R. 31
Respectfully memorializes the Congress and the President of the United States to enact one of the bills pending before Congress that would f...

More...
CTSigned into law 06/2010P-12Individualized Educational Programs Task Force
HB 5426
Establishes a task force to study individualized educational programs (IEPs); Requires the task force to: (1) Examine the existing processes...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010P-12Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Revisions
H.B. 1505 - Sec. 1
Revises provisions relating to John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; authorizes the commissioner of education t...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010P-12Students with Disabilities/Seclusion and Restraint Standards and Procedures
H.B. 1073 - Sec. 4
Establishes standards and procedures regarding the use, monitoring, and documentation and reporting of seclusion and restraint on students w...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010P-12
Postsec.
Regional Autism Centers Dissemination of Information
H.B. 1073 - Sec. 5
Requires regional autism centers (located at 7 state colleges and universities) to coordinate and disseminate local and regional information...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010P-12Developmental Disabilities Training
H.B. 1073 - Sec. 6
Requires the commissioner of education to develop recommendations for incorporating training related to autism and other developmental disab...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010P-12Specialized Instructional Services for Children with Disabilities
H.B. 1505 - Sec. 4
Creates a new statutory section regarding specialized instructional services for children with disabilities; details eligibility requirement...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010Postsec.
Community College
Tuition and Fee Waivers for Classroom Teachers
HB 723
Permits a state university or community college to waive tuition and fees for a classroom teacher, who is employed full-time by a school dis...

More...
FLSigned into law 06/2010P-12Revision to Students with Disabilities Provisions
H.B. 1255 - Sec. 8, 10, 15, 16
Establishes a waiver from the results of end of course (EOC) assessments for certain students with disabilities. Requires restraint or seclu...

More...
GAVetoed 06/2010P-12Middle School and Academic Instruction per Day
H.B. 907
Revises and clarifies language relating to the organization of schools serving grades 6, 7 and/or 8. Provides that schools serving any of th...

More...
LASigned into law 06/2010P-12School Choice Program for Special Needs Students
H.B. 216
Establishes a school choice pilot program in certain parishes for certain students with special needs the opportunity to attend schools of t...

More...
LASigned into law 06/2010P-12Student Restraints
H.B. 405
Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt guidelines for the use of seclusion, physical restraint, and mechani...

More...
NHSigned into law 06/2010P-12Financial Liability for Special Education
S.B. 520
This bill clarifies school district financial liability for special education and related services provided to a child.
http://www.gencourt....

More...
NHSigned into law 06/2010P-12
Postsec.
Incarcerated Special Education Students
S.B. 311
Requires each county correctional facility to designate one person to serve as the contact person for all matters related to special educati...

More...
OKSigned into law 06/2010P-12Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program
H.B. 3393
Creates the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. Provide a scholarship to a private school of choice fo...

More...
RISigned into law 06/2010P-12Commission to Study the Education of Children with Autism
H.R. 7253
Extends the reporting deadline for the Special Joint Commission to Study the Education of Children with Autism, created during the 2009 legi...

More...
AZSigned into law 05/2010P-12
Postsec.
Miscellaneous
H.B. 2725--Multiple Provisions
Exempts private schools approved by the department of education's division of special education prescribed in the pupil's individualized edu...

More...
CTSigned into law 05/2010P-12Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis
H.B. 5425
Reconstitutes the State Advisory Council for Special Education by reducing the number of members to make it consistent with federal law; on ...

More...
MDSigned into law 05/2010P-12Individualized Education Program - Notice to Parents
S.B. 540
Requires appropriate school personnel to provide copies of specified documents relating to the development of an individualized education pr...

More...
VTto governor 05/2010P-12Opportunity to Join Age-Appropriate Peers
H.B. 66 - High School Seniors with Disabilities Section
This section of the bill seeks to ensure that a secondary student with a disability has the opportunity to join his or her age-appropriate p...

More...
MDSigned into law 04/2010P-12Individualized Education Program - Required Notice
H.B. 269
Requires that appropriate school personnel provide the parents of a child with a disability with accessible copies of all documents relating...

More...
MDSigned into law 04/2010P-12Braille Standards
H.B. 413
Requires the state board of education to establish standards for the mastery of Braille for use in English, language arts, and mathematics i...

More...
MDSigned into law 04/2010P-12Alternate School Assessment - Teacher Survey
S.B. 557
Requires the state department of education to review the Alternate School Assessment, survey certain teachers regarding satisfaction or lack...

More...
NESigned into law 04/2010P-12Revises Special Education Funding
L.B. 1087
Changes provisions relating to payment for educational services; defines and redefines terms under the Special education Act; relates to det...

More...
OHAdopted 04/2010P-12Revocation of Parental Consent
OAC 3301-51-05
Amends rules to reflect recent changes in federal regulations regarding revocation of parental consent. Provides that if, at any time subseq...

More...
VASigned into law 04/2010P-12Employment Programs for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
H.B. 1099
Requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, in coordination with the Department of Rehabilitative Services and ...

More...
IASigned into law 03/2010P-12Students with Disabilities Who Reach the Age of 21
S.B. 2291
Provides that if a child requiring special education reaches the age of 21 during an academic year, the child may elect to receive special e...

More...
MDAdopted 03/2010P-12Athletics - Participation of Students with Disabilities
COMAR 13A.06.03.04
Ensures that students with disabilities have an opportunity to try out for and if selected participate in athletic programs, provide reasona...

More...
MESigned into law 03/2010P-12Students with Disabilities Access to Materials/Braille Access
S.B. 588 - Sec. 5
Provides for access to instructional materials and online learning for students with disabilities; requires access to Braille for instructio...

More...
MSSigned into law 03/2010P-12Special Education Accomodations
S.B. 2520
Relates to testing instruments and procedures for students with disabilities. Clarifies accommodation.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/docu...

More...
NMSigned into law 03/2010P-12Services for Students w/ Dyslexia
H.B. 230
Requires interventions for students displaying characteristics of dyslexia; provides that a parent of a student referred to a student assist...

More...
UTSigned into law 03/2010P-12Autism Awareness Funds
H.B. 327
Creates an Autism Awareness support special group license plate for programs that create or support autism awareness programs. Requires appl...

More...
VASigned into law 03/2010P-12Recovery of Attorney Fees
S.B. 46
Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees and costs to a prevailing party, who is the parent of a child with a disability, in a c...

More...
DESigned into law 02/2010P-12Free and Appropriate Education
H.B. 328
Requires courts, administrative tribunals, school districts and schools to use the definition of "free and appropriate education" with respe...

More...
DESigned into law 02/2010P-12Alignment with Federal IDEA
H.B. 396
Aligns state law with the federal requirements of the reauthorized Individuals With Disabilities Education Act relating to the content of pr...

More...
DESigned into law 02/2010P-12Due Process
H.B. 387
This bill provides for certain notice provisions concerning due process hearings involving children with disabilities relating to education ...

More...
DESigned into law 02/2010P-12Training on Due Process
H.B. 386
Requires school board members to receive training concerning special education due process hearings.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis145.ns...

More...
VASigned into law 02/2010P-12Homebound Instructional Services
H.B. 257
Requires the Board of Education to amend its regulations establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia as they relate to...

More...
GAAdopted 01/2010P-12Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program
160-5-1-.34
New Rule 160-5-1-.34 has been adopted, governing the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/_documents/doe/lega...

More...
NJSigned into law 01/2010P-12Special Education and Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force
A.B. 4270
Establishes New Jersey Special Education and Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force to study instructional practices and strategies that improve ...

More...
+ 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--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