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
+ 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
CAVetoed 09/2010P-12From bill summary: Provides that any change in salary, compensation or remuneration principally for the purpose of enhancing a member's benefits will not be included in the calculation of a member's final compensation for purposes of determining that member's defined benefit. Generally requires the board of each state and local public retirement system to establish, by regulation, accountability provisions that include an ongoing audit process to ensure that a change in a member's salary, compensation, or remuneration is not made principally for the purpose of enhancing a member's retirement benefits. Revises the definition of "creditable compensation" and limits the calculation of a member's final compensation to an amount not to exceed the average increase in compensation received within the final compensation period and the 2 preceding years by employees in the same or a related group as that member.

Also provides that a person who retires on or after January 1, 2012, may not perform services for any employer covered by a state or local retirement system until that person has been separated from service for a period of at least 180 days. Bill text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_1401-1450/sb_1425_bill_20100902_enrolled.pdf
Governor's veto message: http://dl5.activatedirect.com/fs/distribution:letterFile/yvcee9xanplikz_files/z65dz43ujjhran/0/0?&_c=d|yvcee9xanplikz|z65p1zm6c0d0km&_ce=1287006994.934004271c8aadf3717e37fa644da411
Title: S.B. 1425
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

ILSigned into law 07/2010Postsec.
Community College
Establishes the Community College Transfer Grant Program Act. Creates the Community College Transfer Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible students, subject to appropriation, for the costs
of attending a public or private institution of higher education that awards baccalaureate degrees. Provides that eligible students are those who (1) are state residents, (2) have received an associate's degree at a public community college in the state and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA while enrolled in an associate's degree program in the state, (3) have enrolled in an institution of higher education in the state by the fall following award of the associate's degree, (4) have applied for financial aid, including federal financial aid, (5) have financial need of no more than $9,000 (as calculated on the FAFSA). Specifies that the award is limited to 2 academic years or 60 credit hours, and may be used only for undergraduate work. Requires award recipients to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Sets award at $1,000 a year, and provides an additional $1,000 grant for students pursuing undergraduate studies in engineering, mathematics, nursing, teaching or science.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/96/PDF/096-1299.pdf
Title: S.B. 3699
Source: www.ilga.gov

FLIssued 06/2010P-12Establishes Florida's Task Force on Excellent Teaching. Directs the task force to:
(1) Review performance appraisal systems and teacher certification systems
(2) Identify initiatives and strategies that honor Florida's quality teachers for dedicating their careers to teaching
(3) Examine the positive impact teachers have on the state's ability to compete in a global economy
(4) Identify methods for establishing differential and performance-based merit pay for classroom teachers
(5) Develop workable measures of student learning gains, including special education students
(6) Formulate strategies for identifying and dealing with low-performing teachers
(7) Identifying successful strategies and initiatives for improving the recruitment, development and retention of quality teachers through:
--Reviewing teacher preparation programs
--Identifying linkages between teacher merit and student learning
--Identifying effective peer-delivered professional development and support and the essential components of new teacher support programs
--Identifying, disseminating and replicating effective teaching practices, including strategies for teachers to collaborate
--Identifying technologies proven to support teacher productivity, efficiency and effectiveness
--Identifying effective working conditions to retain beginning teachers
--Examining compensation, benefits and incentive issues
--Examining options to define, recognize and reward effective teachers

By December 2010, directs the task force to provide recommendations to the governor, president of the senate, speaker of the house and state board of education that address the goals and objectives of the task force, including recommendations regarding changes to statute and administrative rule. Provides the task force must continue in existence until its objectives are achieved but no later than June 2011, unless extended by a subsequent executive order. http://flgov.com/pdfs/orders/10-126-teaching.pdf
Title: E.O. 10-126
Source: flgov.com

SCSigned into law 05/2010Postsec.Provides for a 1-year grace period for certain recipients of a SC teacher loan and requires the SC student loan corporation to develop forms and procedures to implement the grace period. http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/bills/4823.htm
Title: H.J.R. 4823 - Sec.
Source: http://www.scstatehouse.gov

IASigned into law 04/2010P-12Requires representatives of the Department of Education and Area Education Agencies and public and private colleges and universities to study opportunities for recruiting racial and ethnic minority teachers and report their findings to the General Assembly by January 10, 2011.
http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/linc/govbills/HF2432.pdf
Title: H.B. 2432
Source: http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us

MSSigned into law 04/2010P-12Creates the Task Force on Teacher Attrition, Retention and Growth to study strateges for solving the current teacher shortage in Mississippi and to make recommendations to the 2011 Regular Session of the legislature. Sets forth duties and membership of the task force.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2010/pdf/HB/1000-1099/HB1047SG.pdf
Title: H.B. 1047
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us

ALAdopted 03/2010P-12Provides administrative procedures as regards the Alabama Teacher Recruitment Incentive Program (ATRIP), which is intended to provide a scholarship/loan program to attract qualified students into the teaching profession in designated critical need areas. Provides that the commission on higher education serves as the state agency for higher education responsible for administration of the Alabama Teacher Recruitment Incentive Program.
Title: 300-4-7
Source:

Signed into law 03/2010P-12Requires representatives of the department of education and area education agencies to study opportunities for recruiting racial and ethnic minority teachers from outside the state and report their findings to the general assembly by January 10, 2011.
http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/linc/HF2432_Enrolled.pdf
Title: H.B. 2432
Source: http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us

MASigned into law 01/2010P-12Requires charter schools whose charter was granted before January 1, 2010 to have a recruitment and retention plan in effect for the 2011-2012 school year or at the time of its next charter renewal, whichever occurs first. (Section 12)
http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/186/st02/st02247.htm
Title: S.B. 2247; (NEW BILL)
Source: http://www.mass.gov

+ 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