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
+ 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
DCSigned into law 07/2012P-12Establishes a pilot incentive program to encourage highly effective teachers to teach in four high-need (low performing and low income) schools for the start of the 2013-2014 school year. The incentives include: a one-time bonus of $10,000; homebuyer and other housing assistance; up to $5,000 to be expended on tuition assistance; and up to $3,000 to be used as income tax credits. The mayor will provide a report on the program that includes:number of teachers committed to continuing the pilot program; feedback from the participating teachers; an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program; and recommendations for improving the pilot program.
http://dcclims1.dccouncil.us/images/00001/20120405113239.pdf
Title: Bill 19-648
Source: http://dcclims1.dccouncil.us

COSigned into law 06/2012P-12Extends stipends for teachers who are nationally board certified to principals who meet standards for principal certification. Allows nationally board certified teachers and principals to receive additional stipends if they are employed in a low-performing, high-needs school, and to continue to receive the additional stipend if the school improves.
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2012a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/58272B973D2FFFDE87257981007F39A1?Open&file=1261_enr.pdf
Title: H.B. 1261
Source: http://www.leg.state.co.us

CTSigned into law 05/2012P-12(Sec. 10) Requires SDE, to establish a Municipal Aid for New Teachers (MANE) program, within available appropriations, to provide grants of up to $ 200,000 to each of the educational reform districts (low-achieving districts) annually for the purpose of hiring five seniors enrolled in teacher preparation programs who are graduating in the top 10% of their classes at Connecticut colleges and universities. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/ACT/PA/2012PA-00116-R00SB-00458-PA.htm
Title: S.B. 458
Source: cga.ct.gov

TXAdopted 05/2012P-12Amends the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program. From Texas Register:
--§21.173: Reverses the order of two priorities of application acceptance. Currently, the rule lists financial need as second among the three established priorities. The amendment would list financial need as a third priority, after severity of shortage of teachers in the community and/or teaching field.
--§21.174: Adds language to clarify that the eligibility requirements must be met during the service period for which the teacher receives repayment assistance.
--§21.176: Authorizes the commissioner of higher education to determine the annual repayment amount, taking into consideration the amount of available funding. Deletes the statement requiring that the annual amount not exceed $5,000 and the aggregate amount not exceed $20,000.

Context from Texas Register: The 82nd Texas Legislature authorized funding for the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program in the amount of $500,000 for each year of the 2012-2013 biennium. This repre-sents a 91 percent decrease in funding compared with the pre-vious four years. This program was oversubscribed before the decrease, with almost 6,000 teachers applying for approximately 1,350 loan repayment awards in FY 2011. The severity of the reduction in funding necessitates both a reduction in the award amount and a greater emphasis on the most critical shortages when renewal applications are ranked for FY 2012 and FY 2013 awards. Adopted as published in the January 20, 2012 Texas Register (pages 22-23 of 33): http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/0120/0120prop.pdf
Title: 19 TAC 21.173, 174, 176
Source: www.sos.state.tx.us

AZSigned into law 04/2012P-12Requires the State Board to adopt four state performance classifications (highly effective, effective, developing, ineffective) and guidelines for school districts and charter schools for the teacher and principal evaluation instrument by December 1, 2012. Permits periodic adjustments. Requires school districts and charter schools to adopt definitions for the performance classifications in a public meeting and apply the performance classifications to their evaluation instruments by the 2013-14 school year. Requires school boards to adopt policies for principal evaluations by the 2013-14 school year. Determines the term of employment contracts for principals to be 3 years. Directs the school boards to make each principal's evaluation and performance classification available to school districts and charter schools that are inquiring about the principal for hiring purposes. Requires school boards to adopt policies for teacher evaluations by the 2013-14 school year. Requires board to provide incentives to teachers with highest performance classifications to work in schools assigned with letter grades "D" or "F"; to protect for teachers who are transferred to schools that are assigned a letter grade of "D" or "F"; to incentivize teachers in the highest peroformance classification with multi-year contracts not to exceed three years; and to provide protections for teachers if the principal of the school is designated in the lowest performance classification. Prohibits a teacher who has been employed for the major portion of three or more consecutive years and is designated in the lowest performance classification for two consecutive years from being transferred as a teacher to another school in the district unless: the district has issued a notice of inadequacy of classroom performance and approved a performance improvement plan for the teacher, and the school board has approved the new placement as being in the best interests of the students. Restricts teachers who continue to be designated in one of the two lowest performance classifications from being permitted to transfer to another school. Specifies that a teacher who has not been employed for more than the major portion of four consecutive years, is under contract and has been designated in one of the two lowest performance classifications is not provided with the right to a hearing.Requires at least two actual classroom observations of teachers in a complete and uninterrupted lesson and specifies that each observation must be separated by at least 60 calendar days and written results of each observation must be provided to the teacher within 10 business days of the observation. Permits the release of confidential performance evaluations to school districts and charter school upon inquiry. Requires that teacher transfers from one school to another in a single district take into account performance evaluations and school need. Requires board to post best practices for the implementation and assessment of principal and teacher evaluation systems on its website on or before September 15, 2012. Chapter 259 - http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/laws/0259.pdf

Title: H.B. 2823
Source: azleg.gov

ARAdopted 03/2012P-12Establish procedures to provide incentives for teacher recruitment and retention in high priority districts with an average daily membership of 1,000 or fewer. Provides that, at the end of the school year and upon completion of a teacher's contractual teaching obligation, a teacher in a high-priority district may be entitled to receive: a signing bonus, new teacher bonus, retention bonus, in amounts ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Outlines rules for appropriation, documentation, and monitoring of the program.
http://170.94.37.152/REGS/005.16.11-003F-12900.pdf
Title: AR ADC 005.16.15-1.00 to AR ADC 005.16.15-6.00
Source: http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/rules_and_regs/

UTSigned into law 03/2012P-12Repeals 53A-6-701 and -702, provisions that permitted the state board to award scholarships to teachers in "necessarily existent small schools or small school districts" to defray teacher costs related to earning an endorsement or master's degree. As a condition of receipt, recipients were obligated to teach in a necessarily existent small school or small school district for two years. http://le.utah.gov/~2012/bills/hbillenr/hb0156.pdf
Title: H.B. 156 - Repealing Scholarships for Teachers in Necessarily Existent Small Schools or Small School Districts
Source: le.utah.gov

+ 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