ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
2012 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 2012. 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 Drive
+ 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--High Stakes/Competency
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)
+ At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Alternative Education
+ Attendance
+ Attendance--Compulsory
+ Attendance--Statutory Ages (Upper and Lower)
+ Attendance--Truancy
+ Background Checks
+ Bilingual/ESL
+ Career/Technical Education
+ Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship
+ Cheating
+ Choice of Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Charter Schools
+ 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--Magnet or Specialized Schools
+ Choice of Schools--Tax Credits
+ Choice of Schools--Vouchers
+ Civic Education
+ Civic Education--Character Education
+ Civic Education--Curriculum/Standards
+ Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance
+ Class Size
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Drivers Education
+ Curriculum--Excusal
+ Curriculum--Family Living Education
+ Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed.
+ Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language
+ Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education
+ Curriculum--Language Arts
+ Curriculum--Mathematics
+ Curriculum--Multicultural
+ Curriculum--Physical Education
+ Curriculum--Science
+ Curriculum--Sex Education
+ Curriculum--Social Studies/History
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Equity
+ Finance
+ Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost
+ Finance--Bonds
+ Finance--District
+ Finance--Facilities
+ Finance--Federal
+ Finance--Funding Formulas
+ Finance--Local Foundations/Funds
+ Finance--Lotteries
+ 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--Regional Entities
+ Governance--School Boards
+ Governance--School Boards--Training
+ Governance--Site-Based Management
+ Governance--State Boards/Chiefs/Agencies
+ Health
+ Health--Child Abuse
+ Health--Nutrition
+ Health--School Based Clinics or School Nurses
+ Health--Suicide Prevention
+ High School
+ High School--Advanced Placement
+ High School--College Readiness
+ High School--Credit Recovery
+ 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
+ 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--Preparation
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Professional Development
+ Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure
+ Middle School
+ Minority/Diversity Issues
+ Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian
+ No Child Left Behind
+ No Child Left Behind--Choice/Transfer
+ No Child Left Behind--Consequences for Schools
+ No Child Left Behind--Reauthorization Issues/Waivers
+ 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 Data Systems
+ P-3 Early Intervention (0-3)
+ P-3 Ensuring Quality
+ P-3 Family Involvement
+ 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 Teaching Quality/Professional Development
+ Parent/Family
+ Parent/Family--Parent Rights
+ Partnerships--University/School
+ Postsecondary
+ Postsecondary Accountability
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Accreditation
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Licensing/Program Review and Approval
+ 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--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--Private/Independent
+ Postsecondary Online Instruction
+ Postsecondary Participation
+ Postsecondary Participation--Access
+ Postsecondary Participation--Enrollments (Statistics)
+ Postsecondary Participation--Outreach
+ Postsecondary Students
+ Postsecondary Students--Adults
+ Postsecondary Students--Disabled
+ Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth
+ Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional
+ Postsecondary Students--Military
+ 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--Education Management Agencies (EMOs)
+ Proficiency-Based Approaches
+ Promotion/Retention
+ Purposes of Public Education
+ Reading/Literacy
+ Religion
+ Religion--Prayer/Meditation
+ Religion--Scientific Creationism (Evolution)
+ Rural
+ Scheduling/School Calendar
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Day/Class Length
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Extended Day Programs
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Summer School
+ Scheduling/School Calendar--Year
+ School Safety
+ School Safety--Bullying Prevention/Conflict Resolution
+ 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--Facilities
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Food Service
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Org. (K-3/K-8 etc.)
+ School/District Structure/Operations--Personnel (Non-Teaching)
+ 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--Ballot Questions
+ State Policymaking--Constitutional Clauses
+ State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions
+ STEM
+ Student Achievement
+ Student Achievement--Closing the Achievement Gap
+ Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance
+ Student Supports--Mentoring/Tutoring
+ Student Supports--Remediation
+ Student Surveys
+ Students--Athletics/Extracurricular Activities
+ Students--K-12 Exchange Students
- Students--Records/Rights
CAVetoed 09/2012P-12From bill summary: Prohibits districts from including on a pupil's school identification card or any other object that a pupil is required by school officials to carry on his/her person while present at school, any information about that pupil's scores on standardized tests or course grades. Defines "information" for these purposes to include the pupil's actual test scores or grades, the percentile or range into which those test scores or grades fall, or any symbol, color, logo, or other device or emblem used to represent or convey any information about those test scores or grades. Expresses the intent of the legislature that it not be construed to prohibit schools from honoring or recognizing pupil achievement nor to prohibit a pupil, at his/her option, from wearing or displaying an emblem or insignia that honors or recognizes his or her academic achievements. Bill text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_1151-1200/ab_1166_bill_20120816_enrolled.pdf
Governor's veto message: http://gov.ca.gov/docs/AB_1166_Veto_Message.pdf
Title: A.B. 1166
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2012P-12Prohibits a public school from denying enrollment or readmission to a pupil solely on the basis that he/she has had contact with the juvenile justice system. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_1051-1100/sb_1088_bill_20120919_chaptered.pdf
Title: S.B. 1088
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2012P-12From bill summary: Existing law requires a pupil's former school district or private school to transfer the pupil's permanent record, or a copy thereof, upon a request from the district or private school where the pupil intends to enroll. New provisions require a transfering student's former public or private school to transfer the pupil's permanent record or copy of it no later than 10 school days following the date the request is received. States legislative findings and declarations regarding the importance of the academic record of a transferring pupil and the accuracy of those records. Provides that it does not supersede any other provisions governing the transfer of pupil records for specific pupil populations, including, but not limited to, provisions governing the transfer of pupil records for (1) pupils in foster care and (2) individuals with exceptional needs. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_1751-1800/ab_1799_bill_20120919_chaptered.pdf
Title: A.B. 1799
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CAVetoed 09/2012P-12From bill summary: Requires the department of education to provide a district that is a charter school's chartering authority, in accordance with a specified federal law relating to the disclosure of pupil records, individual pupil achievement data, including test results from the STAR Program, high school exit examination, and English language development tests, as well as pupil demographic data and program data, relating to pupils who attend the charter school, except as specified. Requires the department to provide the district with this data, to the extent it has the data, along with the unique pupil identification number of each of those pupils. Bill text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_1901-1950/ab_1919_bill_20120906_enrolled.pdf
Governor's veto message: http://gov.ca.gov/docs/AB_1919_Veto_Message.pdf
Title: A.B. 1919
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

CASigned into law 09/2012P-12From final bill analysis: Amends the California Education Code to conform with the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provisions relating to the confidentiality of pupil records.
Bill text: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0701-0750/ab_733_bill_20120919_chaptered.pdf
Final bill analysis: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0701-0750/ab_733_cfa_20120828_213506_asm_floor.html
Title: A.B. 733
Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov

ILSigned into law 08/2012P-12Clarifies individuals and circumstances by which information surrounding a child's detainment under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 may be used. Specifies such information may be used solely by school principal or officials determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest. Also requires that for a school official to have access to a minor under 17's law enforcement records, the agency or officer must believe there is an imminent threat of physical harm to students, school personnel, or others present in the school or on school grounds. Extends violations under which law enforcement records are to be shared with the school district to include violations of (1) the Hazing Act and (2) the Harassing and Obscene Communications Act, among others. Provides that such law enforcement records must be separate from other school records and are not to become part of the student's official school record or public record. Permits a student to be referred to in-school or community based social services if available and determined in the child's best interest. Identifies approaches that may be applied as "rehabilitation services." Requires that information about a minor who is the subject of a current police investigation directly related to school safety be oral information only (not law enforcement records), and to be used only for safety and for the child's rehabilitation. Also requires such oral information to be kept separate from other school records and prohibits from becoming part of the student's official school record or public record. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/97/PDF/097-1104.pdf
Title: H.B. 5602
Source: www.ilga.gov

DESigned into law 07/2012Postsec.Makes it unlawful for a public or nonpublic academic institution to mandate that a student or applicant disclose password or account information granting the academic institution access to the student's or applicant's social networking profile or account. Prohibits academic institutions from requesting that a student or applicant log onto their respective social networking site to provide the academic institution direct access to the student's or applicant's social networking site profile or account. Acknowledges that new technological advances in internet use and social networking require new approaches to protecting reasonable expectations of privacy in personal information.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis146.nsf/vwLegislation/HB+309/$file/legis.html?open
Title: H.B. 309
Source: http://legis.delaware.gov/

PASigned into law 07/2012P-12Gives a high school student the right to wear a military dress uniform at a graduation ceremony if the student has fulfilled all requirements and is otherwise eligible to participate in the ceremony, and has completed basic training for, and is an active member of, a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1307&pn=3771p
Title: H.B. 1307 - Multiple Provisions
Source: http://www.legis.state.pa.us

COSigned into law 06/2012P-12Current law prohibits an employee of a school or school district from requiring a student to participate in a survey, analysis, or evaluation that addresses or requests certain information unless the student's parent provides written consent for the student's participation. This bill adds assessments to the documents for which parental consent is required. In addition to the existing list of information, the employee must obtain parental consent if the document requests a social security number or information concerning the student's or parent's religious beliefs or practices. For a parent's consent to be valid, the employee must make a written copy of the document available for inspection at convenient locations and times.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2012A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/FF17422673A6E9EF87257981007F434A?Open&file=036_enr.pdf
Title: S.B. 36
Source: http://www.leg.state.co.us

NHSigned into law 06/2012P-12Allows a parent, legal guardian, or person who is 18 years of age or older to have access to the unique pupil identifier and related information in the data warehouse.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/HB1139.html
Title: H.B. 1139
Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/

MSSigned into law 05/2012P-12Authorizes a parent of an exceptional child to record individualized education program (IEP) meetings with audio or visual recording at the parent's expense. Provides that a parent or guardian or local educational agency must notify the members of the Individualized Education Program team of his, her, or its intent to audio record a meeting at least twenty-four hours prior to the meeting. Requires that such parental right to record be included in the procedural safeguards.

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2012/pdf/HB/1400-1499/HB1405SG.pdf
Title: H.B. 1405
Source: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/

NHSigned into law 05/2012Postsec.Provides that no institution within the university or community college systems of New Hampshire shall prohibit, as a condition of admission or continued enrollment, any student from becoming a member of any group or organization.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/HB1417.html
Title: H.B. 1417
Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/

TNSigned into law 04/2012P-12Prohibits LEAs, school administrators and educators from taking action that infringe on or waive first amendment rights of school personnel or students without written consent of those who would be affected.
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/HB3266.pdf
Title: H.B. 3266
Source: http://www.capitol.tn.gov

VASigned into law 04/2012P-12Provides that school records may be admissible in any matter where such records are material, provided that they are authenticated as true and accurate copies by the custodian of the records or by the person to whom the custodian reports, if they are different. Currently, such authenticated school records are only admissible in cases involving custody of the student or termination of parental rights.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB424ER+pdf
Title: H.B. 424
Source: http://lis.virginia.gov/

VASigned into law 04/2012P-12Allows local school boards to develop a single, standardized form to obtain parental consent for the release of student data. If developed by the local school board, such form shall be used by Community Policy and Management Teams and the Departments of Health, Social Services, Correctional Education, Juvenile Justice, and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB1189ER+pdf
Title: H.B. 1189
Source: http://lis.virginia.gov/

INSigned into law 03/2012P-12Requires an accredited nonpublic school to provide sufficient verbal information to permit a requesting school to which a child transfers to make an appropriate placement decision when the parent of the child is in breach of a contract that conditions release of student records on the payment of outstanding tuition and other fees.

Requires the state board of education to conduct a second count of students enrolled in school corporations and charter schools in February of each school year, with the first count being in September. Expires the school funding formula on July 1, 2013.

Transfers the appropriation and funding for charter school start-up grants to the appropriation for state tuition support. Increases the amount of the charter school start-up grant for charter schools that begin operation in calendar year 2012 and provides that the grant is to be paid in six installments with one installment in each of the last six months of calendar year 2012.

Specifies that the amount distributed as special grants to school corporations to reflect the savings resulting from the education of students under a choice scholarship rather than in a school corporation are limited only by the state fiscal year appropriation and not the calendar year cap that limits the amount of state tuition support payable in a calendar year. http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/HE/HE1189.1.html
Title: H.B. 1189
Source: www.in.gov

VASigned into law 03/2012Postsec.Clarifies that an institution of higher education may require that any accepted student provide a complete student record, including any mental health record, from not only his high school but also any other institution of higher education. This bill is identical to HB 852.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?121+ful+SB375ER+pdf
Title: S.B. 375
Source: http://leg1.state.va.us/

VASigned into law 03/2012Postsec.Higher education; mental health and parental notification policies. Provides that any person licensed to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders who is treating a student may determine to withhold parental notification of a dependent student's mental health treatment if such person determines that the notification may result in substantial harm. Currently, only a physician or clinical psychologist could make such a determination. This bill is identical to SB 374.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB900ER+pdf
Title: H.B. 900/S.B. 374
Source: http://lis.virginia.gov/

VASigned into law 03/2012Postsec.Authorizes threat assessment teams established by private nonprofit institutions of higher education to receive health and criminal history records of students for the purposes of assessment and intervention with individuals whose behavior may present a threat to safety. Provides that no member of a threat assessment team shall re-disclose any juvenile record information obtained or otherwise use any record of an individual beyond the purpose that such disclosure was made to the threat assessment team.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB1152ER+pdf
Title: H.B. 1152
Source: http://lis.virginia.gov/

+ 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 Contracts (Not Tenure)
+ Teaching Quality--Teacher Rights
+ Teaching Quality--Tenure or Continuing Contract
+ Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining
+ Technology
+ Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware
+ Technology--Equitable Access
+ Technology--Funding Issues
+ Technology--Internet Safety
+ Technology--Teacher/Faculty Training
+ Textbooks and Open Source
+ Urban