Newly Enacted State Legislation June 5, 2003

State News:

Loan cancellation program: Loan recipients for student financial aid under the Educators for Maine program now can have their loans cancelled by completing at least one year of service for every two years that the individual received a loan by working in a child care center. The former program cancelled loans for working in public or private schools. Undergraduates pursuing a career in teaching, speech pathology, or child care in Maine institutions are eligible. Loans are available also for individuals with a bachelor's degree who pursue a course of study leading to certification as a teacher, licensure as a speech pathologist or to attainment of child care provider qualifications. Signed by the governor on June 5, 2003.

Teacher license endorsement in early childhood: North Dakota added an early childhood endorsement to its teaching license. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers must be licensed by the Education Standards and Practices Board and have a major in early childhood or elementary education with either a kindergarten or early childhood endorsement. For an elementary school license, teachers can have their major studies in elementary or early childhood education. These new requirements go into effect on July 1, 2006. Signed by the governor on May 2, 2003.

Teacher preparation: Oklahoma added new competencies in effective classroom management and student discipline to its teacher preparation system. These competencies must be included in programs for approval by the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation. Signed by the governor on May 28, 2003.

Revenue from license plates for ECE: Louisiana created a new specialty license plate, Invest in Children, whose proceeds will go to support early childhood development programs under the Women's Leadership Initiative of the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area. Signed by the governor on June 5, 2003.