ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2011 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 2011. 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--No Pass No Play
+ Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--Takeovers
+ Accountability--School Improvement
+ Adult Basic Education
+ Assessment
+ Assessment--Accommodations
+ Assessment--College Entrance Exams
+ Assessment--Computer Based
+ Assessment--End-of-Course
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Alternative Education
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Drugs/Alcohol
+ Attendance
+ Attendance--Compulsory
+ 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--Charter Schools--Research
+ Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment
+ Choice of Schools--Innovation Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Tax Credits
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers--Privately Funded
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Civic Knowledge and Literacy
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Equity
+ Federal
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--Aid to Private Schools
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Local Foundations/Funds
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ Finance--Performance Funding
+ 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
+ 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--Professional Development
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--African American
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
+ No Child Left Behind--Adequate Yearly Progress
+ No Child Left Behind--Assessment
+ No Child Left Behind--Consequences for Schools
+ No Child Left Behind--Report Cards
+ No Child Left Behind--School Support
+ No Child Left Behind--Supplemental Services
+ 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 Ensuring Quality
+ P-3 Finance
+ P-3 Governance
+ P-3 Grades 1-3
+ P-3 Health and Mental Health
+ P-3 Kindergarten
+ P-3 Kindergarten--Full-Day Kindergarten
+ P-3 Preschool
+ P-3 Special Ed./Inclusion
+ P-3 Teaching Quality/Professional Development
+ Parent/Family
+ Postsecondary
+ Postsecondary Accountability
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Accreditation
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Student Learning
+ Postsecondary Affordability
+ 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
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Compensation
+ Postsecondary Faculty--Intellectual Property
+ 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--Four-Year Baccalaureate
+ Postsecondary Institutions--HBCUs/Minority-Serving Institutions
+ Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
+ Postsecondary Participation--Access
+ Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements
+ Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action
+ Postsecondary Participation--Enrollments (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Students
+ Postsecondary Students--Adults
+ Postsecondary Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Students--International
+ Postsecondary Students--Low-Income
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ Postsecondary Students--Minority
+ Postsecondary Success
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion
+ Postsecondary Success--Completion--Completion Rates (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation
+ Postsecondary Success--Retention/Persistence
+ Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation
+ Private Schools
+ Privatization
+ Promising Practices
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Public Involvement
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Reading/Literacy--Adult 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 Safety--Uniforms/Dress Codes
+ School/District Structure/Operations
+ School/District Structure/Operations--District Consolidation/Deconsolidation
+ School/District Structure/Operations--District Size
+ 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--Staffing Ratios
+ 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--Immigrant Education
+ Special Populations--Migrant Education
+ Special Populations--Military
+ Standards
+ Standards--Common Core State Standards
+ State Longitudinal Data Systems
- State Policymaking
HIAdopted 06/2011P-12Requests that the board of education undertake a two-year review of its bylaws and policies, as well as applicable sections of state statutes and administrative rules, and make changes that would help the board, department of education and administrators create a more effective educational delivery system. Also directs the board of education to submit its findings, including any changes made to its bylaws and policies, to the legislature before the 2012 legislative session, and to submit a report, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature before the 2013 legislative session. http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/Bills/SCR79_SD1_.HTM
Title: S.C.R. 79-11
Source: www.capitol.hawaii.gov

OHSigned into law 06/2011P-12
Postsec.
Prohibits a state agency or state institution of higher education from entering into a contract with a lobbyist for more than $50,000 in a calendar year without the approval of the controlling board. Provides that this does not apply to an employment contract through which a lobbyist is employed directly by a state agency or state institution of higher education.
Pages 61-62 of 1000: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText129/129_HB_153_EN_part1.pdf
Title: H.B. 153 - Lobbyists for State Agencies and Postsecondary Institutions
Source: www.legislature.state.oh.us

MNVetoed 05/2011P-12Amends the definition under the nonpublic pupil aid statute to include electronic books in the definition of textbooks. Amends the definition under the nonpublic pupil aid statute to include electronic books in the definition of individualized instructional or cooperative materials.

Requires cooperatives to allocate compensatory revenue to the school site generating the revenue in the same way that school districts allocate compensatory revenue to a school site.

Requires public postsecondary systems, as part of their annual report to the department on remedial instruction, to include summary data on the number and percentage of recent high school graduates who completed rigorous courses and the number of recent high school graduates who graduated as students with disabilities.

Allows home school students to be tested using a nationally recognized college entrance exam.

Requires the person in charge of providing instruction to a child to provide information to the resident superintendent on the student in the first school year in which the child receives instruction after the age of seven, within 15 days of when a parent withdraws a child from public school, within 15 days of moving out of a district, and after a new resident district is established. Requires the person in charge of providing instruction to a child to annually submit a letter of intent to continue to provide instruction.

Allows a district that cancels at least two instructional school days in the previous school year because of a flood, tornado, or fire to begin the next school year before Labor Day.

Directs local school boards to allow recent high school graduates to report electronically to the board on the quality of district instruction, curriculum, and services and on the delivery of the instruction, curriculum, and services and strikes references to district facilities and administration. To improve instruction and curriculum and better understand graduates' need for postsecondary remedial instruction, requires a board to forward a summary of its evaluation findings to the commissioner upon request.

Restates the goal so that the legislature seeks to have every child reading at or above grade level no later than the end of grade 3. Adds identification requirements for students who are not reading at grade level. Requires reading assessments identify and evaluate students' areas of academic need related to literacy. Requires schools at least annually to give the parent of each student who is not reading at or above grade level timely information about the student's reading proficiency, services being provided to the student, and strategies for parents to help their student succeed in reading. Requires the district to provide reading intervention to accelerate student growth. Requires a school district to adopt a local literacy plan to have every child reading at or above grade level no later than the end of grade 3. States what the plan must include and requires that the plan be posted on the district website.

Provides for numerous other K-12 reforms.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/showPDF.php
Title: H.F. 1381
Source: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/

TNSigned into law 05/2011P-12Requires the Comptroller's Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) to compile the activity, reports, and recommendations of certain groups involved in education reforms and make a report to the Governor and the Education Committees
of the General Assembly.
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/HB0963.pdf
Title: H.B. 963
Source: http://www.capitol.tn.gov

WASigned into law 05/2011P-12Modifies the state board of education's responsibilities with regard to performance standards for the statewide student
assessment.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislature/2115-S.PL.pdf
Title: H.B. 2115
Source: http://apps.leg.wa.gov

AZSigned into law 04/2011Postsec.Prohibits an individual acting on behalf of a university from using university personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources to advocate in support for or against pending or proposed legislation. Chapter 158.
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/1r/bills/sb1116h.pdf
Title: S.B. 1116
Source: http://www.azleg.gov

MSSigned into law 03/2011P-12PROVIDE THAT THE SALARY OF THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION SHALL BE SET BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RATHER THAN FIXED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE SALARY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2011/pdf/SB/2600-2699/SB2684SG.pdf
Title: S.B. 2684
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us

UTSigned into law 03/2011P-12Amends the definition of "agency" to include a school, a school district or a charter school. Prohibits a school, a school district or a charter school from expending state-appropriated money to pay a contract lobbyist. http://le.utah.gov/~2011/bills/sbillenr/sb0123.pdf
Title: S.B. 123
Source: le.utah.gov

NYIssued 01/2011P-12Establishes the Mandate Relief Redesign Team to look for ways to reduce the costs of mandated programs on schools and local governments by determining how school districts and local governments may be given greater ability to control costs. Directs the team to look at the reason for delays in state reimbursement for mandated programs, and to look at the practice of cost-shifting of mandated programs. Calls for the team to identify opportunities for eliminating or reducing unfunded and underfunded mandates imposed by the state on local governments and school districts. Directs the team to begin its work no later than January 7, 2011 and to provide the governor with its first report of findings and recommendations by March 1, 2011. Directs the team to submit quarterly reports on its continuing review thereafter, and to make its final recommendations to the governor by the end of the 2011-12 state fiscal year, at which time it will be relieved of all responsibilities and duties. http://www.governor.ny.gov/executiveorder/6
Title: E.O. 6
Source: www.governor.ny.gov

+ State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions
+ STEM
+ Student Achievement
+ Student Supports
+ Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance
+ Student Supports--Mentoring/Tutoring
+ Student Supports--Remediation
+ Student Surveys
+ Students--Athletics/Extracurricular Activities
+ Students--Employment
+ Students--Incentives
+ 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--Highly Qualified Teachers
+ 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 Attitudes
+ Teaching Quality--Teacher Rights
+ Teaching Quality--Tenure or Continuing Contract
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining--Strikes
+ Technology
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Teacher/Faculty Training
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Urban--Change/Improvements