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
+ 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
CASigned into law 06/2012Community CollegeCommunity College Funding Boost If Tax Increase Approved
S.B. 1016 - Community College Funding Boost If Tax Increase Approved
From section 69 of bill summary: Requires that, if the Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012 is approved by the voters at t...

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CORejected by voters 09/2008P-12Funding for Pre-K to 12 Education
Amendment 59
Proposes an amendment to the Constitution concerning the manner in which the state funds public education from preschool to 12th grade; requ...

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CORejected by voters 08/2008Postsec.
Community College
Funds for College Scholarships and Other Purposes
Amendment 58
Eliminates a credit against the severance tax on oil and gas for property taxes paid by oil and gas producers and interest owners; reduces t...

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COApproved by voters 08/2008Community College
Postsec.
Gaming Funds for Community Colleges
Amendment 50
Proposes an amendment to the Constitution concerning limited gaming; allows voters in Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek to vote on...

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AROn 11/04/2008 Ballot. 04/2008Postsec.
Community College
Lottery Funds for College Scholarships
Amendment 3
Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution; authorizes the General Assembly to establish, operate, and regulate State lotteries to fund...

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NMOn November 2008 Ballot 12/2007P-12Increase Size of Certain School Boards
S.J.R. 6
Proposes an amendment to the Constitution to increase the size of school boards in school districts with a specified population; provides fo...

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NJRejected by voters 09/2007P-12Property Tax Relief
V. 5 Public Question 1
Property tax. Dedicated annual revenue of an amount equal to a tax rate of 1% under the state sales tax for property tax reform
FAILED 47-5...

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NVPassed Legislature, On November 2010 Ballot 05/2007Postsec.
Community College
Organization, Duties and Appointment of the Board of Regents
S.J.R. 4
Proposes to amend the state constitution to require the legislature to provide for the organization and duties of the board of regents and t...

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ALApproved by voters 11/2006P-12Minimum 10 Mills Property Tax
Statewide Amendment Number Two
Proposes an amendment to the state constitution to require at least 10 mills of property tax are levied for every school district in the sta...

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ALApproved by voters 11/2006P-12Election of Macon County Board of Education
Statewide Amendment Number Three
Proposes an amendment to the state constitution to provide for the election of the Macon County Board of Education from four single-member d...

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CORejected by voters 11/2006P-12District Budget Requirements (65%) as Statute
Referendum J
(REFERENDUM J; HB 06-1283) Creates the State Public School Expenditures Accountability Act. If approved, would amend state statutes to requi...

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IDRejected by voters 11/2006P-12Sales Tax and Local Public Schools Investment Fund
Proposition 1
Relates to K-12 public school funding. Adds 1% sales tax rate, revenue stream for this component of K-12 local public school funding; creat...

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IDApproved by voters 11/2006P-12Property Tax Ballot Initiative
Advisory Vote
Submits an advisory vote to the electors regarding whether the state keep the property tax relief adopted in August 2006, reducing property ...

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NVApproved by voters 11/2006P-12Education First Initiative Petition
Ballot Question # 1
Proposes an amendment to the state constitution to require the legislature to fund the operation of the public schools for K-12th grades bef...

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LAApproved by voters 09/2006P-12Central Community School System
Amendment 8
Proposes a Constitutional amendment to grant to the Central Community School System in East Baton Rouge Parish the same authority granted pa...

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LAApproved by voters 09/2006P-12Prohibiting Legislative Mandates on Local Boards
Amendment 9
Proposes a constitutional amendment to provide that no law, unless enacted by two-thirds of the elected members of each house of the legisla...

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LAApproved by voters 09/2006Postsec.Postsecondary Investment in Stocks
Amendment 10
Proposes an amendment to the constitution to authorize the investment in stocks of up to 35% of the state-funded permanently endowed funds o...

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MIRejected by voters 08/2006P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Educational Funding Guarantee
V. 6 (Prop. 5)
Would require the state to provide annual funding increases equal to the rate of inflation for public schools, intermediate school districts...

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AZOn 11/07/2006 Ballot. 07/2006P-12Early Childhood Funding Ballot Initiative
V. 18; (NEW BILL)
(PROPOSITION I-16-2006) Increases funding for early childhood development and health programs; provides that local councils would distribute...

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AZApproved by voters 07/2006P-12Early Childhood Development and Health Initiative
V. 18 (Prop. 203)
(PROPOSITION 203 I-16-2006) Increases funding for early childhood development and health programs. Purpose is to improve quality and increas...

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MIApproved by voters 07/2006P-12
Postsec.
Community College
Bans Affirmative Action By State
V. 3 (Prop. 2)
Amends the state Constitution through a ballot proposal to prohibit the University of Michigan and other state universities, the state, and ...

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AZOn 11/07/2006 Ballot. 06/2006Community College
Postsec.
Community College Funding Ballot Initiative
V. 2 (Prop. 2056)
(PROPOSITION HCR 2056-2006) Amends the State Constitution; relates to local property tax levies and community college districts; provides a ...

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AZApproved by voters 06/2006Postsec.Prohibition of In-state Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants
V. 7 (Prop. 300)
(PROPOSITION SCR 1031-2006) Submits to the people of the State a measure relating to family literacy public program eligibility; prohibits e...

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CARejected by Voters. 06/2006P-12Voluntary Public Preschool Program
V. 3 (Prop. 82)
Proposes an amendment to the California Constitution to establish a right to voluntary public preschool for all four-year old children, admi...

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CORejected by voters 06/2006P-1265% of School Budgets for Instruction
Amendment 39 (H.B. 1283)
Proposes a constitutional amendment to require that in each state fiscal year a school district spend at least 65% of its operational expend...

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NVDied 03/2006P-12Truth in Science Initiative
Initiative Petition
The Truth in Science Initiative (Initiative) proposes to add a new section to the Constitution regarding
how evolution is to be taught in th...

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UTApproved by voters 11/2004Postsec.Intellectual Property
Constitutional Amendment 2
Authorizes the state or a public institution of higher education to acquire an ownership interest in a private business in exchange for righ...

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CAVetoed--in Senate to unfinished business 10/2004P-12Grant Joint Union High School District
S.B. 1271
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for costs mandated by the state and incurred...

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MEOn November 2004 Ballot 09/2004P-12Limits on Real and Property Taxes
Ballot Initiative
TITLE: An Act to Impose Limits on Real and Personal Property Taxes
QUESTION: "Do you want to limit property taxes to 1% of the assessed valu...

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AZAdopted, on November 2004 Ballot 06/2004P-12State Board of Education Membership
SCR 1022; Ballot Measure 105
Proposed amendment to the Arizona Constitution; Changes the composition of the state board of education by removing a member of the State Ju...

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ARSigned into law 02/2004P-12Ad Valorem Property Tax
H.B. 1162
Increases the uniform rate of ad valorem property tax by three mills subject to the approval of the voters in this state to be used solely f...

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SDAdopted, On November 2004 Ballot 02/2004P-12Provision of Certain Services to All Children
HJR 1003/Constitutional Amendment B
Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election amendments to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of South D...

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NCSigned into law 08/2003P-12State Fund for Certain Moneys
S.B. 965
An Act to amend the North Carolina Constitution to provide that the General Assembly may place clear proceeds of civil penalties, civil forf...

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+ 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