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From the ECS State Policy Database 1994-2013

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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 ECS has tracked in this database since 1994. 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. 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--Learnfare Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Drive 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 Assessment--High Stakes/Competency Assessment--Legal Issues Assessment--NAEP (NAEP Results and NAEP Organization) Assessment--Performance Based/Portfolio 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 Brain Research Business Involvement Career/Technical Education Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship Cheating Choice of Schools 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--Choice/Open Enrollment--Research 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--Curriculum/Standards Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance Class Size Curriculum Curriculum--Alignment Curriculum--Arts Education Curriculum--Censorship Curriculum--Core Curriculum Curriculum--Drivers Education Curriculum--Environmental 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--Home Economics Curriculum--International Education Curriculum--Language Arts Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling Curriculum--Mathematics Curriculum--Multicultural Curriculum--Physical Education Curriculum--Science Curriculum--Sex Education Curriculum--Social Studies/History Curriculum--Speech Education Data-Driven Improvement Demographics Demographics--Condition of Children/Adults Demographics--Enrollments Desegregation Economic/Workforce Development Education Research Equity Federal Finance Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost Finance--Aid to Private Schools Finance--Bonds Finance--District Finance--Does Money Matter? Finance--Equity Finance--Facilities Finance--Federal Finance--Funding Formulas Finance--Litigation 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--Regional Entities 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 Health--Teen Pregnancy 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--Constructivism Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling Instructional Approaches--Homework/Study Skills Instructional Approaches--Official English Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning Instructional Approaches--Single-Sex Education Instructional Approaches--Time/Time on Task Instructional Approaches--Tracking/Ability Grouping 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--Professional Development Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Recruitment and Retention Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure Middle School Minority/Diversity Issues Minority/Diversity Issues--African American Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian Minority/Diversity Issues--Hispanic No Child Left Behind No Child Left Behind--Adequate Yearly Progress No Child Left Behind--Assessment No Child Left Behind--Choice/Transfer No Child Left Behind--Consequences for Schools No Child Left Behind--Finance No Child Left Behind--Parent Involvement 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 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 Brain Development 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 Evaluation/Economic Benefits 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 Kindergarten--Full Day Kindergarten P-3 Preschool P-3 Public/Private Partnerships P-3 Special Ed./Inclusion P-3 Teaching Quality/Professional Development Parent/Family Parent/Family--Parent Rights Parent/Family--Research Partnerships--University/School Postsecondary Postsecondary Accountability Postsecondary Accountability--Accreditation NV Adopted 06/2012 Postsec. Licensing, Personnel, Instruction and Operations in Postsecondary Education NAC 394.535, 380, 385, 390, 400, 405, 410, 415, 420, 427, 435, 440, 445, 450, 485, 490, 522, 525, 535, 537, 540, 550, 560, 570, 575, 580, 600, 605, 610, 615, 623, 650, 655, 720, 735 Revises various provisions governing licensing, personnel, instruction, and operations in postsecondary education. http://www.leg.state.nv.u... More... PA Signed into law 06/2012 P-12 Postsec. An Act amending Title 24 (Education) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in private colleges, universities and seminaries, further providing for certification of institutions. S.B. 1406 Adds a new subsection to Title 24 concerning the certification of higher education institutions. Allows a private, nonprofit college or univ... More... CO Signed into law 05/2012 Postsec. Accreditation for Private Nonprofit and For-profit Institutions H.B. 1155 (sections 12 to 20) Details authority, responsibility of Commission on Higher Education to authorize, revoke right of private nonprofit or for-profit institutio... More... VT Signed into law 05/2011 Postsec. Postsecondary Institution Approval Process S.B. 100 Sets the process for approval for any postsecondary school that operates primarily or exclusively in the state of Vermont. Defines "Postseco... More... AR Signed into law 03/2011 Postsec. Community College Postsecondary Accreditation H.B. 1254 Prohibits the use of false academic credentials. Requires accrediation from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board before a postse... More... MS Signed into law 03/2011 Postsec. Community College Accreditation Alternative for Private Business Vocational Schools H.B. 838 Authorizes private business and vocational schools that have obtained national accreditation from an accrediting agency designated by the U.... More... MN Signed into law 05/2010 Postsec. Community College Private Institutions Registering with Office of Higher Education S.F. 184 Clarifies that public and private institutions outside Minnesota offering courses or programs to Minnesota residents must register with OHE... More... MN Signed into law 05/2010 Postsec. Community College Student Refunds S.F. 184 Requires private schools to issue students a full refund of money it received for a student or if a contract with that student is unenforcea... More... AL Adopted 03/2010 Postsec. Postsecondary Course Offerings by Non-Accredited Institutions 300-2-1-.02 Defines "non-accredited institution" as an institution not accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council... More... MI Signed into law 01/2010 Postsec. Proprietary Schools S.B. 786 Provides for the accreditation, regulation and licensing of proprietary schools; authorizes a proprietary school to sell goods or services p... More... CA Signed into law 11/2009 Postsec. Workforce Development S.B. 599 Requires the successor agency to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education to transmit school performance data from scho... More... TX Adopted 11/2009 Postsec. Degree-Granting Colleges and Universities 19 TAC 1.7.7.1 -.13 Establishes new rules concerning degree-granting colleges and universities other than Texas public institutions. As stated in the August 7, ... More... ID Adopted 06/2009 Postsec. Registration of Postsecondary Institutions IDAPA 08.01.11 Clarifies that postsecondary institutions need to register to ensure they are legitimate degree granting institutions and that proprietary s... More... OH Adopted 06/2009 Postsec. Community College Career Colleges and Schools OAC 3332-1-01, -02, -04.5, -11, -12.1, -14, -18 thru -22, -22.1 Amends rules regarding career colleges and schools. Replaces all references to the state board of "proprietary school registration" to state... More... MD Adopted 05/2009 Postsec. Community College Requirements for Degree-granting HE Institutions COMAR 13B.02.02.01 to .22 Establishes minimum requirements for issuing certificates, diplomas, and degrees by in-state public and private institutions of postsecondar... More... OR Signed into law 05/2009 Postsec. Diploma Mills S.B. 113 Limits the exemption of certain post-secondary schools and separately accredited campuses from degree requirements of Office of Degree Autho... More... OR Signed into law 05/2009 Postsec. Diploma Mills S.B. 114 Prohibits person who receives degree from diploma mill from using disclaimer to claim or represent that person possesses academic degree; de... More... OR Signed into law 05/2009 Postsec. Community College Career/Technical H.B. 2108 Requires school that confers or offers to confer academic degree to be licensed as career school for course or program that does not lead to... More... CO Signed into law 05/2008 Postsec. Community College Diplomas from Private Colleges and Universities S.B. 167 Clarifies the authority related to the authorization to do business for private colleges or universities, bible colleges, and seminaries; pe... More... VA Signed into law 03/2008 Postsec. Fraudulent Academic Credentials H.B. 766 Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor (a fine up to $2,500 and/or up to 12 months in jail) to issue or manufacture a fraudulent academic credential... More... SD Adopted 10/2007 Postsec. TEACHER CERTIFICATION, STANDARDS OF ACCREDITATION SDR 24:15:03:08, :10, :43:01:01, :02:02, :08, :09:03 Amends rules to allow school service specialists to add a teaching program to their current certificate upon completion of a full degree. Re... More... MD Adopted 08/2007 Postsec. Community College Postsecondary Institution Diploma and Degree Requirements COMAR 13B.02.02.02-.08, .10-.19, .21, .22 Requires the Maryland Higher Education Commission to establish minimum requirements for issuing certificates, diplomas, and degrees by publi... More... RI Signed into law 07/2007 Postsec. Purchase and Sale of Academic Degrees S.B. 392 Prohibits the purchase and sale of academic degrees wherein the degree is obtained on the basis of a combination of a payment of a fee and t... More... CT Signed into law 06/2007 Postsec. Community College Accreditation and Diploma Mill Oversight S.B. 1139 Concerns enhanced enforcement authority by the Department of Higher Education; provides the Board of Governors of Higher Education and the C... More... OR Signed into law 06/2007 Postsec. Community College Diploma Mills S.B. 198 Allows the Student Assistance Commission to terminate activities of diploma mills and operation of post-secondary accrediting bodies not rec... More... TX Signed into law 06/2007 Postsec. Independent Law School Accreditation S.B. 480 Adds the American Bar Association as a recognized accrediting agent in Texas under Section 61.003 (15) of the Education Code. This is the on... More... ID Temporary Rule Adoption - Concurrently Proposed 08/2006 Postsec. Registration of Postsecondary Institutions and Proprietary Schools IDAPA 08.01.11 Repeals existing section 08.01.11 in its entirety. Sets forth the registration requirements for postsecondary educational institutions that ... More... IA Adopted 07/2006 Community College Postsec. Community College Accreditation IAC 281-Chapter 24, 281-24.1(260C) through 281- 24.4(260C), 24.4(1)through 24.4(5), 281-24,5(260C), 24.5(1) through 24.5(4), 281-24.6(260C),24.6(1) through 24.6(4) Relates to the evaluation of the colleges' institutional effectiveness in a framework of CQI standards and benchmarks. Creates a new chapter... More... MD Signed into law 04/2006 Postsec. Transfers from Unaccredited Higher Education Institutions S.B. 270 Requires an institution of higher education that does not possess regional accreditation to require its students to sign a letter of acknowl... More... WA Signed into law 03/2006 Postsec. Community College False Academic Credentials H.B. 2507 Declares that a person is guilty of issuing a false academic credential if the person knowingly: (1) Grants or awards a false academic crede... More... TX Adopted 02/2006 Postsec. Fictitious, Fraudulent or Substandard Degrees 19 TAC 1.7.A.7.3 Adds new definitions pertaining to "fictitious degree," "fraudulent or substandard degree," "protected term." TEXAS 98741... More... MI Signed into law 07/2005 Postsec. Authentic credentials in education S.B. 136 Prohibits the issuance or manufacture of false academic credentials. http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/publicact/pdf/2005-P... More... OR Signed into law 07/2005 Postsec. Disclaimers for Degrees from Non-Approved Institutions S.B. 1039 Allows a person who holds a degree from a post-secondary institution that is not accredited or approved by the Office of Degree Authorizatio... More... TX Signed into law 06/2005 Postsec. Community College Fraudulent or Substandard Degrees H.B. 1173 Adds Sec. 61.3021. Requires Texas Higher education Coordinating Board (board) by rule to establish a process for reviewing and approving a d... More... ND Signed into law 04/2005 Postsec. Community College Private Postsecondary Institution Operations S.B. 2120 Relates to fees provided to the state board for career and technical education for authorizations to operate private postsecondary instituti... More... CA Vetoed 09/2004 Postsec. Private Postsecondary Education Reform A.B. 711 Relates to the Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Reform Act of 1989. Defines nationally accredited institution to mean an insti... More... IL Signed into law 06/2004 Postsec. Private Business and Vocational Schools H.B. 3088 Amends the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act. Provides that certain educational institutions that enroll students in one or more b... More... TN Signed into law 06/2004 Postsec. Community College Higher Education False Credentials H.B. 433 Prohibits the use of false credentials in higher education. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/Chapter/PC0825.pdf... More... TN Signed into law 05/2004 Postsec. False Academic Degrees S.B. 2305 Concerns criminal offenses; creates Class A misdemeanor for person who knowingly issues, sells or manufactures false academic degree; create... More... WA Signed into law 03/2004 Postsec. Degree Granting Institutions H.B. 2381 Ensures the quality of degree-granting institutions of higher education; relates to the accreditation of and site inspections of such instit... More... OR Rule Adoption 10/2003 Postsec. Definitions of School Types OAR 583-050-0006, -0011, -0016, -0031, -0040, -0021 Revises definitions of school types to classify degree-issuing entities as standard, substandard, or diploma mill. Establishes fee schedule ... More... CA Signed into law 09/2003 Postsec. Private Postsecondary Institutions S.B. 967 Defines non-Western Association of Schools and Colleges regionally accredited institution under the Private Postsecondary and Vocational Edu... More... IL Signed into law 07/2003 Postsec. False Academic Degrees H.B. 1448 Provides it is unlawful for a person to knowingly manufacture or produce a false academic degree or for a person to knowingly use a false ac... More... ND Signed into law 04/2003 Postsec. False Academic Credentials H.B. 1068 Relates to the issuance, manufacture, and use of false academic degrees or certifications; provides a penalty.... More... SD Signed into law 03/2001 Postsec. Accreditation S.B. 160 Prohibits the offering of postsecondary education credit or degree by non-accredited institutions.... More... KY Signed into law 04/2000 Postsec. Defines College H.B. 44 Relates to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority; expands the definition of college to include postsecondary educational instit... More... Postsecondary Accountability--Diploma Mills Postsecondary Accountability--Licensing/Program Review and Approval 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--Teaching Assistants 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 Postsecondary Participation--Access Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action 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--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 Privatization--Education Management Agencies (EMOs) Proficiency-Based Approaches Promising Practices Promotion/Retention Public Involvement Purposes of Public Education Reading/Literacy Reading/Literacy--Adult 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--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--No Child Left Behind--Safe Schools 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--Org. (K-3/K-8 etc.) 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--Inclusion (Mainstreaming) 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 Standards--Implementation State Comparisons/Statistics State Longitudinal Data Systems State Policymaking State Policymaking--Ballot Questions State Policymaking--Constitutional Clauses State Policymaking--Politics State Policymaking--Task Forces/Commissions STEM Student Achievement Student Achievement--Closing the Achievement Gap Student Achievement--State Trends Student Supports--Counseling/Guidance Student Supports--Mentoring/Tutoring Student Supports--Remediation Student Surveys Students Students--Athletics/Extracurricular Activities Students--Employment Students--Incentives 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--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 Contracts (Not Tenure) Teaching Quality--Teacher Rights Teaching Quality--Tenure or Continuing Contract Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining Teaching Quality--Unions/Collective Bargaining--Strikes Teaching Quality--Working Conditions Technology Technology--Computer Skills Technology--Devices/Software/Hardware Technology--Equitable Access Technology--Funding Issues Technology--Internet Safety Technology--Research/Evaluation Technology--Teacher/Faculty Training Textbooks and Open Source Urban Urban--Change/Improvements Urban--Governance Whole-School Reform Models Whole Child