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
CASigned into law 10/2010P-12From bill summary: Existing law authorizes a local educational agency, including a direct-funded charter school, to apply for any state categorical program funding included in the annual budget act on behalf of a school that begins operation in the 2008–09 to the 2012–13 fiscal years.

New legislation requires the superintendent of public instruction to allocate a supplemental categorical block grant for the 2010–11 fiscal year to a charter school that begins operation in the 2008–09, 2009–10, or 2010–11 fiscal year, and authorizes the charter school to use the block grant funds to be used for any educational purpose.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1601-1650/ab_1610_bill_20101019_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 1610 - Charter School Facility Grant Program
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2010P-12Authorizes the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California School Financing Authority (CSFA) to assign and distribute the state's 2010 federal tax credit bond volume cap for qualified school construction bonds (QSCB). Authorizes charter schools to participate, and sets eligibility criteria and requirements for charter schools. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_2551-2600/ab_2560_bill_20100924_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 2560
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CAVetoed 09/2010P-12From bill analysis: Requires the state board of education to include school districts, county offices of education, charter schools and other agencies deemed eligible pursuant to state and federal law, in any application for federal aid to education, in any allocation of federal funds made pursuant to law, and in any rules and regulations adopted governing the allocation of those funds.
Bil text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1651-1700/ab_1683_bill_20100830_enrolled.pdf
Governor's veto message: http://dl5.activatedirect.com/fs/distribution:letterFile/yvcee9xanplikz_files/z64toun9texiy7?&_c=d|yvcee9xanplikz|z651jtjl0g7yaz&_ce=1286209518.ef82a5a73803871303f72f0746c9c7d3
Title: A.B. 1683
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

LASigned into law 06/2010P-12Provides the use of certain local revenues for computing and allocating the per pupil amount provided to all charter schools. Removes provisions requiring certain minimum per pupil funding amounts pursuant to the most recent legislatively approved minimum foundation program formula.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=721744
Title: H.B. 420
Source: http://www.legis.state.la.us/

RISigned into law 06/2010P-12Rewrites charter school provisions. Establishes separate provisions for "district charter schools" (existing schools converting to charter status), "independent charter schools" (start-up charter schools created by nonprofit organizations or postsecondary institutions), and "mayoral academies" (schools created by a mayor). For each type of charter school, establishes legislative provisions relating to entities eligible to apply for a charter, procedure for creation of a charter school, process for consideration of a proposed charter, revocation of a charter, budgets and funding, and charter school reporting. http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/PublicLaws/law10/law10084.htm
Title: H.B. 7867, S.B. 2734
Source: www.rilin.state.ri.us

AZSigned into law 05/2010P-12Provides admission of residents of other school districts; relates to tuition and nonresidents of the state; provides that a school district or a charter school shall not include pupils who are not residents of this state in the district's or charter school's student count and shall not obtain state funding for those pupils; provides exceptions. Chapter 331
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/hb2722h.pdf
Title: H.B. 2722
Source: http://www.azleg.gov

HISigned into law 05/2010P-12Makes numerous changes related to charter school oversight and finance. Requires the charter school review panel to adopt a clear process with rigorous criteria (including student achievement as a significant factor) for charter schools to be authorized and reauthorized. Requires the charter school review panel to reauthorize a charter school no later than 4 years following the initial issue of the charter and every 6 years thereafter. Requires the charter school review panel to evaluate and investigate charter schools when concerns arise that necessitate the resolution or assistance with the resolution of legal, fiscal, health, safety and other serious issues. Requires the charter school administrative office to withhold up to 2% of the annual general fund allocation for its operational expenses, including salaries for staff and the executive director. Requires the charter school administrative office to annually report to the charter school review panel individual and aggregate expenditures of charter schools, clearly distinguishing between expenditures for operational and instructional purposes. Directs the office to develop a standardized method for charter schools to report expenditures and to determine which expenditures are for operational vs. instructional purposes. Provides that if any charter school fails to meet these reporting requirements, the office may retain a portion of that charter school's per-pupil allocation. Requires per-pupil allocation checks paid by the charter school administrative office to individual charter schools to be co-signed by the executive director of the charter school administrative office and an agent of the charter school review panel to encourage more intentional and well-informed financial decision-making. Increases the number of new start-up charter schools that may be authorized. Requires the department of education to make available vacant school facilities or portions of school facilities for use by charter schools, provided that the department may elect to use the facilities to support public education programs with preference given to instructional uses over administrative uses. Requires the department to notify the charter school review panel of the possibie availability of a public school as early as possible. Establishes a process for the selection of a charter school to use the vacant school facility. Provides circumstances under which the department must consider making all or portions of the school available for other educational purposes. Makes changes to charter school funding, including the creation of the charter schools account as a separate account in the state treasury, to further encourage fairness in funding and the availability of resources to charter schools. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/Bills/SB2589_CD1_.HTM
Title: S.B. 2589
Source: www.capitol.hawaii.gov

TXAdopted 05/2010P-12Updates the financial accountability rating system by specifying new provisions that will be implemented beginning with ratings based on data from fiscal year 2008-09, including a new worksheet and calculations. Also incorporates open-enrollment charter schools into the School FIRST system. Adopted as proposed in the March 26, 2010 Register (pages 93-97 of 151): http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0326/0326prop.pdf
Title: 19 TAC 109.1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005
Source: www.sos.state.tx.us

CAAdopted 04/2010P-12Relates to the State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program. Adds definitions of "Academic Performance Index Growth" and "Adequate Yearly Progress". Adds language in 10177, "Eligible Applicant" allowing a charter school to appeal any response by the chartering authority's staff directly to the chartering authority's governing board, and clarifying that it is the charter school's responsibility, and not the authority's, to ensure that the good standing and compliance response letter is received by the stated deadline. Clarifies in 10178 that grant funds may not be used toward the same debt or project (purchase/construction/renovation) related to a project designated in a prior grant award. Adds language in 10181 that each application for grant funds must include (1) a description of how an award of grant funds for facilities will be used and (2) verification the charter school is in good standing with its chartering authority and in compliance with the terms of its charter at the time of application submission and without interruption throughout the term of the grant. Requires that this be provided directly from the chartering authority on a form provided by the Authority. Permits charter schools to appeal any response by the chartering authority's staff directly to the chartering authority governing board.

10182: Amends evaluation criteria to allow a charter school grant application to receive additional points if the applicant charter school is within 3 miles of any traditional public school (serving the same grade levels as the applicant charter school) that (1) did not meet all AYP criteria for the most recent year, and the applicant charter school did meet all AYP criteria for the most recent year and/or (2) did not meet its API Growth Target for Both Schoolwide and Subgroups for the most recent year, and the applicant charter school did meet its API Growth Target for Both Schoolwide and Subgroups for the most recent year. Also awards additional preference points to an applicant charter school that did not receive an award under the 2004 State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program (Rounds 1-5).

10188: Adds provision that documentation of continued eligibility requires verification the subgrantee charter school is continuously in good standing with its chartering authority and continuously in compliance with the terms of its charter without interruption throughout the term of the grant. Requires that the Authority rely on information from the chartering authority regarding the school's good standing and compliance with the terms of its charter. Permits charter schools to appeal any response by the chartering authority's staff directly to the chartering authority's governing board, and makes it the charter school's responsibility, and not the Authority's, to ensure that the good standing and compliance response letter is received by the stated deadline.

10190: The Authority reserves the right to conduct site visits to any charter school facility or project receiving a grant pursuant to these provisions.
Title: Title 4 CCR Sec(s) 10175, 10176, 10177, 10178, 10179, 10180, 10181,10182, 10185, 10187, 10188, 10190
Source: www.lexis.com

OKSigned into law 04/2010P-12Requires that a charter school sponsored by a board of education of a school district be considered a local education agency for purposes of federal funding.
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2009-10bills/SB/SB2212_ENR.RTF
Title: S.B. 2212
Source: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us

COSigned into law 03/2010P-12Enacts the Public School Financial Transparency Act, which requires school districts, district charter schools, boards of cooperative education, the state charter school institute, and institute charter schools to post financial information on-line, in a downloadable format, for free public access.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2010a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/F10BD6CCC8325304872576A80026B22A?open&file=1036_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1036
Source: http://www.leg.state.co.us/

NMSigned into law 03/2010P-12Requires local school boards and governing authorities of charter schools to establish finance subcommittees and audit committees. The finance subcommittee shall: (1) make recommendations to the local school board in the following areas: (a) financial planning, including reviews of the school district's revenue and expenditure projections; (b) review of financial statements and periodic monitoring of revenues and expenses; (c) annual budget preparation and oversight; and (d) procurement; and (2) serve as an external monitoring committee on budget and other financial matters.
http://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/10%20Regular/final/HB0227.pdf
Title: H.B. 227
Source: http://nmlegis.gov/

UTSigned into law 03/2010P-12Modifies the state superintendent's annual report of the public school system by: (1) requiring reporting of data on average class sizes calculated in accordance with state board of education rule; (2) modifying the reporting of pupil-teacher ratios and (3) deleting the reporting of pupil-adult ratios. Rewrites statutory language on method for calculating school and district pupil-teacher ratios in the state superintendent's annual report. Requires data on pupil-teacher ratios to additionally be reported by district, and by state-level aggregate for charter schools and public schools. Requires the section of the state superintendent's annual report dealing with pupil-teacher ratios to indicate the Web site where pupil-teacher ratios for each school in the state may be accessed. Requires data on charter school funding, including state allocations and local expenditures, to be included in the state superintendent's annual report.

Specifies how average class size at the elementary and secondary school levels must be reported. Requires that special education classes and online classes be excluded when determining average class sizes at the elementary and secondary school levels. http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillenr/sb0056.pdf
Title: S.B. 56
Source: le.utah.gov

UTSigned into law 03/2010P-12Expands the membership of the state board of education by including a member of the state charter school board as a nonvoting member. Removes a statutory enrollment cap on charter schools. Allows the state board to approve an increase in charter school enrollment capacity, beginning in the 2012-13 school year, subject to legislative appropriation. Establishes state board and state charter school board procedures if the legislature does not appropriate funds for an increase in charter school enrollment capacity that has been tentatively approved by the state board. Modifies procedures for admitting students to charter schools and transferring from a charter school to a school district or another charter school. Modifies conflict of interest provisions applicable to charter school officers. Provides for the nomination by the state charter school board of members of a committee that reviews requests for loans to charter schools. http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/sbillenr/sb0188.pdf
Title: S.B. 188
Source: le.utah.gov

UTSigned into law 02/2010P-12Provides that if monies appropriated to charter schools to replace local property taxes are less than the amount prescribed by a statutory funding formula, monies must be allocated among charter schools in proportion to each charter school's share of the total enrollment in charter schools. Also provides that if monies appropriated for charter school administrative costs are insufficient to provide the amount per student prescribed in statute, the appropriation must be allocated among charter schools in proportion to each charter school's share of the total enrollment in charter schools. Repeals Section 53A-17a-104, "Amount of state's contribution toward minimum school program" and 53A-21-501, "State contribution to capital outlay programs". http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/hbillenr/hb0001.pdf
Title: H.B. 1
Source: le.utah.gov

+ 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
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+ 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
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+ Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
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+ 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
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+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
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+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Day/Class Length
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+ 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
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+ Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance
+ Student Supports--Remediation
+ Student Surveys
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+ Students--Employment
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+ 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