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
+ 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
PAVeto overridden: legislature has overridden governor's veto 11/2010P-12Codifies existing "Science in Motion" program. Authorizes the department to administer a grant program to higher education institutions that establish partnerships with schools or districts to provide for the lease or purchase of scientific or technical equipment for use in science classrooms. Requires the Secretary of Education to submit a biennial report describing various aspects of the partnerships and the dollar amount of grants awarded.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0101&pn=4389
Title: H.B. 101 - Article XV-F
Source: http://www.legis.state.pa.us

CAVetoed 09/2010P-12From bill summary: Sets forth various legislative findings and declarations relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Defines STEM education as courses or a sequence of courses that prepare pupils for occupations and careers that require technically sophisticated skills, including the application of mathematical and scientific skills and concepts. Expresses the legislature's intent that the superintendent of public instruction allocate funds designated for STEM education consistent with the definitions set forth in the bill.
Bill text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_1401-1450/sb_1444_bill_20100830_enrolled.pdf
Governor's veto message: http://dl5.activatedirect.com/fs/distribution:letterFile/yvcee9xanplikz_files/z5yw1n1do9tzcg?&_c=d|yvcee9xanplikz|z5yxksmilkmaj8&_ce=1289861666.6c2e1b6389c4c01ed4f5aa509ba3505a
Title: S.B. 1444
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CAVetoed 09/2010Postsec.From bill summary: Requires the High-Speed Rail Authority to contract with the Employment Development Department to develop a labor market assessment of the workforce and identify the education and skills
needed for construction, operation and maintenance of the high-speed train system. Requires the department to consult and work cooperatively with the Mineta Transportation Institute at the California State University at San Jose and to consult with other workforce assessment efforts. Requires the authority and the department to form an advisory committee to advise the authority and the department on the availability of skilled labor relative to the high-speed train project and on options for workforce training programs in that regard. Requires the labor market assessment to be submitted to the legislature and incorporated into the authority's biennial revised business plan.

Appropriates $500,000 from the High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Fund to the authority for these purposes. Also makes related legislative findings and declarations.

Bill text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0951-1000/sb_964_bill_20100831_enrolled.pdf
Governor's veto message: http://dl5.activatedirect.com/fs/distribution:letterFile/yvcee9xanplikz_files/z65dnikb4rtp4c/0/0?&_c=d|yvcee9xanplikz|z65p1zm6c0d0km&_ce=1292003817.bde62519d5b4247e86677c0ef880926a
Title: S.B. 964
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 08/2010P-12Establishes, until January 1, 2014, the California Task Force on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education for the purpose of promoting the improvement of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology education across the state. Provides the task force consists of members of the legislature and experts appointed by the speaker of the assembly and the senate committee on rules. Provides the duties of the task force are to (1) increase legislative awareness about mathematics, science, engineering, and technology education issues, (2) inform legislators regarding trends in mathematics, science,
engineering, and technology education, and (3) raise awareness among the public regarding the shortage of Californians prepared to contribute to the state's future technology workforce. Directs the task
force to submit an annual report on its work to the legislature. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/acr_88_bill_20100817_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.C.R. 88
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

NCSigned into law 07/2010P-12
Postsec.
Requires the education cabinet to set as a priority an increase in the number of students earning postsecondary credentials in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to reduce the gap between needed credentialed workers and available jobs in those fields by 2015. Also requires the education cabinet to encourage cooperative efforts between secondary schools and institutions of higher education to prepare students for postsecondary study in STEM and to determine measurements for assessing the number of
available jobs in the fields of STEM in the state, and the number of students earning postsecondary credentials in STEM fields of science,
at all institutions of higher education in the state. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/Senate/PDF/S1198v4.pdf
Title: S.B. 1198
Source: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us

TNIssued 07/2010P-12Establishes the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network within the department of education and requires the department to undertake various STEM activities in coordination with local education agencies, including but not limited to teacher professional development and curriculum development. Establishes an advisory council and authorizes the Battelle Memorial Institute to manage the network. http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/governor/AdminCMSServlet?action=viewFile&id=1525
Title: Executive Order #68
Source: http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

WISigned into law 04/2010P-12Creates Section 119.315 to make schools that enroll pupils in grades K-5 eligible to apply for funding (if state or federal funding is available) to participate in a pilot program designed to develop innovative instructional programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; to support pupils who are typically under-represented in these subjects; and increase the academic achievement of pupils in those subjects.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/acts/09Act215.pdf
Title: S.B. 437
Source: http://www.legis.state.wi.us

VAIssued 03/2010Postsec.Establishes the Governor's Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment. Directs the commission to consider the current state of public and private higher education in the state, and best practices in other states and countries. Directs the commission to make findings and recommendations for addressing the following priorities:
(1) Preserving and enhancing the instructional excellence of Virginia's leading universities and of the higher education system as a whole
(2) Significantly increasing the percentage of college-age Virginians who enroll in colleges and complete degrees
(3) Attracting and preparing young people for the STEM areas and other disciplines (e.g., healthcare and advanced manufacturing) where skill shortages now exist and/or unmet demand is anticipated
(4) Forging new public-private partnerships and regional strategies for business recruitment, workforce preparation, and university-based research
(5) Making the state a national leader in providing higher education opportunities to military personnel and veterans
(6) Crafting a sustainable higher education funding model that will move Virginia toward higher levels of educational attainment and economic competitiveness over the next 15 years
(7) Developing innovative ways to deliver quality instruction, cost-saving reform strategies, and affordable new pathways to degree attainment for Virginians, regardless of income or background
(8) Evaluating strategies to reduce costs through additional college placement testing and accelerated degree completion
(9) Creating effective workforce development programs through expanded use of the community college system in coordination with the commission on economic development and job creation.

Calls for the creation of the following committees, and identifies tasks for each committee: (1) Increased Degree Attainment, Financial Aid and Workforce Training; (2) Implement Innovation and Cost Containment; and (3) Regional Strategies/Partnerships for Research and Economic Development.

Directs the committee to submit its interim findings and recommendations on matters potentially impacting the executive budget by September 30, 2010. Directs the commission to an interim report of its activities, findings and recommendations by November 30, 2010. Provides the interim report must focus primarily on increasing degree attainment, concentrating increased educational attainment in STEM areas and other high-demand and high-income fields, a model for higher education funding, and partnerships through which public and private colleges and community colleges participate actively in economic development and workforce training. Directs the commission to continue to meet and make recommendations on additional stated objectives throughout 2011.

Provides this executive order will become effective upon signing and remain in full force and effect until March 26, 2011 unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Issues/ExecutiveOrders/pdf/EO_9.pdf
Title: E.O. 9
Source: www.governor.virginia.gov

WASigned into law 03/2010P-12Designates resource programs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction in K12 schools; requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to designate schools to serve as resources and examples on how to combine a small, highly personalized learning community, an interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics delivered through a project-based instructional approach, and active partnerships with business and the local community. Chapter 238
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislature/2621.PL.pdf
Title: H.B. 2621
Source: http://apps.leg.wa.gov

MESigned into law 02/2010P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Directs the state department of education to conduct a study to provide comprehensive baseline data to support state and local efforts to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning (STEM). The department must develop a strategic plan by May 15, 2010 that addresses the need to:

1. Offer a rigorous course of study in STEM;

2. Cooperate with industry experts, museums, universities, research centers, and other community partners to prepare and assist teachers in integrating STEM content across grades and disciplines, in promoting effective and relevant instruction, and in offering applied learning opportunities for students; and

3. Prepare more students for advanced study and careers in the STEM field, including by addressing the needs of underrepresented groups and of women and girls in the STEM areas.

Directs the department to consult with the state university and community college systems in the development of the strategic plan to ensure that the state application for the federal Race to the Top competitive grant program includes a high quality plan that addresses all three aspects of the STEM priority established by the federal education department.

Directs the state department to review existing state learning standards for K-12 public education to determine whether students have sufficient opportunity to develop the skills and gain the knowledge that will be incorporated as part of a national assessment of technological literacy beginning in 2012. http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/chapters/RESOLVE151.asp
Title: S.B. 677
Source: http://www.mainelegislature.org

DEIssued 01/2010P-12Creates the Delaware STEM Education Council to (a) strengthen cross-disciplinary dialogue between teachers and stakeholders in STEM subjects; and (b) leverage the members' collective expertise regarding the STEM-based initiatives currently underway to identify the most effective programs and curricula. Establishes the powers, duties and functions. Requires the department of education to provide reasonable staff support to assist the Council in performing its duties and shall, upon request, provide the Council with reports and data helpful to the Council's ability to perform its assigned duties. All other executive branch state agencies and departments shall cooperate with the Council when requested. The Council may call and rely upon the expertise of individuals and entities outside of its membership for research, advice, support or other functions necessary and appropriate to accomplish its mission.
http://governor.delaware.gov/orders/exec_order_15.shtml
Title: Exec. Order #15
Source: http://governor.delaware.gov

+ 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