ECS
From the ECS State Policy Database
1994-2013

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
- Postsecondary Accountability--Diploma Mills
LASigned into law 06/2010Postsec.
Community College
Fraudulent Postsecondary Degrees
S.B. 94
Relates to a fraudulent postsecondary education degree; to create the crime of the unlawful production, manufacture, distribution, or posses...

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WISigned into law 05/2010Postsec.
Community College

S.B. 431
Prohibits a person that holds itself out to the public in any way as a legitimate institution of higher education from using the term "colle...

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ALAdopted 03/2010Postsec.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...

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MISigned into law 01/2010Postsec.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...

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TXAdopted 11/2009Postsec.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, ...

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IDAdopted 06/2009Postsec.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...

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ORSigned into law 05/2009Postsec.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...

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ORSigned into law 05/2009Postsec.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...

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ORSigned into law 05/2009Postsec.
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...

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COSigned into law 05/2008Postsec.
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...

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VASigned into law 03/2008Postsec.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...

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MDAdopted 08/2007Postsec.
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...

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RISigned into law 07/2007Postsec.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...

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CTSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.
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...

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ORSigned into law 06/2007Postsec.
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...

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IDTemporary Rule Adoption - Concurrently Proposed 08/2006Postsec.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 ...

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WASigned into law 03/2006Postsec.
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...

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TXAdopted 02/2006Postsec.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...

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MISigned into law 07/2005Postsec.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...

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ORSigned into law 07/2005Postsec.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...

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TXSigned into law 06/2005Postsec.
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...

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NDSigned into law 04/2005Postsec.
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...

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CAVetoed 09/2004Postsec.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...

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TNSigned into law 06/2004Postsec.
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...

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TNSigned into law 05/2004Postsec.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...

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WASigned into law 03/2004Postsec.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...

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ORRule Adoption 10/2003Postsec.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 ...

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ILSigned into law 07/2003Postsec.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...

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NDSigned into law 04/2003Postsec.False Academic Credentials
H.B. 1068
Relates to the issuance, manufacture, and use of false academic degrees or certifications; provides a penalty....

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+ 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