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--Common Core/National Tests
+ Assessment--Computer Based
+ Assessment--End-of-Course
+ Assessment--Formative/Interim
+ Assessment--High Stakes/Competency
+ 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--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
+ Counseling/Guidance
+ Curriculum
+ Curriculum--Alignment
+ Curriculum--Arts Education
+ Curriculum--Censorship
+ Curriculum--Computer Science
+ 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
+ Data-Driven Improvement
+ Demographics
+ Demographics--Condition of Children/Adults
+ Demographics--Enrollments
+ Desegregation
+ Economic/Workforce Development
+ Economic/Workforce Development--Value of an Education
+ 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
+ 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--Teaching Across Disciplines
+ Instructional Approaches--Time/Time on Task
+ Instructional Approaches--Tracking/Ability Grouping
+ Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools
+ International Baccalaureate
+ 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
+ Mentoring/Tutoring
+ 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 English Language Learners (ELL)
+ 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
+ P-3 Technology
+ Parent/Family
+ Parent/Family--Parent Rights
+ Parent/Family--Research
+ Partnerships--University/School
+ Postsecondary
+ Postsecondary Accountability
+ Postsecondary Accountability--Accreditation
+ 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--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)
+ Remediation (K-12)
+ Rural
+ Scale-Up/Replication
+ 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
AZSigned into law 04/2013P-12Restriction or Isolation As Discipline
H.B. 2476
Amends law to begin with the 2013-14 school year to include policies for the confinement of pupils left alone in an enclosed space. Lists required processes for parental notification and consent.
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/51leg/1r/laws/0029.pdf...

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MEBecame law without governor's signature 04/2013P-12Restraint of Students
S.P. 79
This Resolve directs the Department of Education to amend its rules regarding restraint of students. Specifies the conditions under which students may be restrained.
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0079&item=3&snum=126...

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CASigned into law 09/2012P-12Foster Children (Including Pupils with Disabilities), and Disciplinary Issues
A.B. 1909
From bill summary: Requires each local education agency (LEA)'s educational liaison for foster children, if so designated by the LEA superintendent, to notify the attorney and the appropriate representative of the county child welfare agency for a foster child...

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WISigned into law 03/2012P-12Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint in Public Schools, Including Charter Schools
S.B. 353
Creates a new provision relating to the use of seclusion and physical restraint on pupils in public schools, including charter schools. Defines "covered individual" and limits use of seclusion or physical restraint to those individuals (teachers or student tea...

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MNSigned into law 07/2011P-12Prone Restraints
H.F. 26
Allows a school district to continue to use prone restraints with certain conditions until August 1, 2012. Requires the department to report back to the legislature on the use of prone restraints. (Article 3, Sec 1)
http://wdoc.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/LS87/1...

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LASigned into law 06/2011P-12Student Discipline -- Seclusion and Restraints
S.B. 59
Relates to the use of seclusion and physical restraint to address the behavior of students with exceptionalities. Provides definitions and clarifies under which circumstances seclusion and restraints can be used. If a student is involved in five incidents in a...

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TNSigned into law 06/2011P-12Isolation and Restraint
H.B. 1336
Requires isolation and restraint to be imposed by school personnel who have been certified for completing a behavior intervention training program or other school personnel when trained personnel are not immediately available. Deletes the definition of state-a...

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NCSigned into law 07/2010P-12Corporal Punishment/Students With Disabilities
HB 1682
Prohibits schools from administering corporal punishment on a student with a disability whose parent or guardian has stated in writing that corporal punishment will not be administered on that student. Requires schools to provide to the parents or guardians a ...

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TNSigned into law 05/2010P-12Discipline of Special Education Students
S.B. 3583
Allows any school resource officer who witnesses an offense by a student receiving special education to take the student into custody.
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/106/Bill/SB3583.pdf...

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COAdopted 12/2009P-12Student Restraints Policy
1 CCR 301-45
Outlines the procedures to be followed in the administration of restraint of students, staff training, documentation requirements, and the review of the use of restraint.
Restraints shall only be used in an emergency and with extreme caution and is limited to...

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FLSigned into law 06/2009P-12Code of Conduct/Exceptional Student Violations
H.B. 7089
Relates to due process hearings for exceptional students; permits school personnel to consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether a change in placement is appropriate for a student who has a disability and violates a dist...

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CAVetoed 09/2008P-12Discipline
S.B. 1515
Prohibits an educational provider from using chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, or seclusion, for the purpose of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation by staff against a pupil. Provides certain exemptions. Relates to stud...

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TNSigned into law 06/2008P-12Special Education Isolation and Restraint Modernization and Positive Behavioral Supports Act
S.B. 2609
Enacts the Special Education Isolation and Restraint Modernization and Positive Behavioral Supports Act; ensures that every student receiving special education services is free from unreasonable, unsafe and unwarranted uses of isolation and restraint; promotes...

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GAAdopted 12/2007P-12Special Education
GAC 160-4-7
Revises rules regarding special education, including the rights of children and parents and assists educational agencies to provides for such and education.

Purpose for Exceptional Students Rules: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/_documents/doe/legalservices/160-4-7...

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TNSigned into law 07/2007P-12Study Commission on Methods of Restraint
S.B. 1662
Requires the Department of Education's division of special education to collect data on and report to the Chairs of the House and Senate Education Committees the following information:
(1) The number of special education classes by local education agency;
(2) ...

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INSigned into law 05/2007P-12Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Training
H.B. 1428
Requires every school corporation police officer to complete training to enable the officer to appropriately deal with individuals with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Allows a governing body to adjourn its schools to allow teachers, school administrators, and...

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NYAdopted 12/2006P-12Standards for Behavioral Interventions
Title 8 NYCRR sections 19.5, 200.1, 200.4, 200.7 and 200.22
Establishes standards for behavioral interventions, including aprohibition on the use of aversive behavioral interventions; to provide for achild- specific exception to the prohibition on the use of aversiveinterventions; and to establish standards for program...

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NCSigned into law 07/2005P-12Seclusion and Restraint of Students
H.B. 1032
Clarifies the permissible use of seclusion and restraint in public schools and to provide for training in management of student behavior.One section states that It is the policy of the State of North Carolina to:
(1)       Promote safety and prevent harm to al...

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ORSigned into law 07/2005P-12Special Education Provisions
H.B. 3168
Adds interpreting services, social work services, and school nurse services designed to enable a child with a disability to receive a
free appropriate public education as described in the individualized education program of the child. Clarifies that "Related s...

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TXSigned into law 06/2005P-12Bullying
H.B. 283
Adds a new section: Sec. 25.0341 and amends several other sections. Defines "bullying. Requires, on the request of a parent or other person with authority to act on behalf of a student who is a victim of bullying, the board or its designee to transfer the st...

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TNSigned into law 05/2005P-12Cognitive Behavior Therapy
S.B. 1972
Requires the department of education, in cooperation and consultation with the state board of education, shall conduct a study of the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for elementary and secondary public school students with persistent behavioral proble...

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MDRule Adoption 05/2003P-12Provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education
COMAR 13A.05.01.13 thru .16; 13A.05.02.04, .05, .13; 13A.08.04.01 thru .06
Ensures State Regulations are in conformance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Implements standards for student behavior intervention practices requiring local school systems and certain other institutions that receive certain State ...

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TXSigned into law 06/2001P-12Discipline of Special Education Students
S.B. 189
Relates to school district disciplinary action against a student with a disability who receives special education services. Any disciplinary action regarding a student with a disability who receives special education services that would constitute a change in...

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KYSigned into law 05/2001P-12Suspension of Special Education Students
S.B. 64
Relates to exceptional children and youth; clarifies a change in educational placement occurs if, due to a suspension, an exceptional child is removed for more than 10 consecutive days during a school year or the child is subjected to a series of removals that...

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MESigned into law 05/2001P-12Review of Regulations Related to Student Restraints
H.B. 22
Resolve No. 9., (LD 22) Provides for legislative review of the regulations of the Department of Education governing timeout rooms, therapeutic restraints and aversives in public schools and approved private schools....

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TXSigned into law 05/2001P-12Discipline of Special Education Students
S.B. 1735
Any disciplinary action regarding a student with disabilities that would constitute a change in placement under federal law may only occur after a manifestation determination review has been conducted by the student's admission, review, and dismissal committe...

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+ 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
+ Social/Emotional Learning and Non-Cognitive Skills
+ 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 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