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*This is not a comprehensive collection of all work on the state level. If there are resources you’d like to see featured here, please send them to us!* #

Policy Committees #

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Audits, Agency Reports #

Other Resources of Interest #

In the News #

  • Washington: Legislature strengthens oversight of private special ed schools (The Seattle Times, 4/24/2023)
    • Washington state lawmakers voted almost unanimously to expand oversight of private schools that serve about 500 public students with severe disabilities. The schools received approximately $50 million from the state last year despite complaints of abuses and unqualified staff. The legislation aims to expand the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s authority to investigate complaints, ensure qualified staff, and create a centralized repository for complaints against these schools.
  • ASD slammed by Utah legislative committee for school closure process; board and superintendent subpoenaed for question (Lehi Free Press, 5/19/2023)
    • The Alpine School District (ASD) and its board faced criticism from Utah’s Administrative Rules Review and General Oversight Committee for their handling of recent school closure processes. The committee issued a rare bipartisan subpoena for the ASD Board and superintendent to testify in a future meeting. The issue arose after the district voted to begin the closing process for five elementary schools, leading to a lawsuit by parents who claimed the district violated state law in its closure timeline and actions.
  • Indiana: Lawmakers call for student protections, school accountability following WFYI investigation (WFYI, 6/26/2023)
    • Lawmakers from both parties in Indiana are seeking solutions following an investigation by WFYI that exposed inaccurate reporting of student restraint and seclusion in schools. A 2013 law aimed to regulate and minimize the use of such interventions, but a lack of oversight from the Indiana Department of Education has raised doubts about its effectiveness. Legislators are calling for increased accountability, transparent reporting, and potential legislative action to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly those with disabilities.
  • Audit: Michigan Department of Education poorly monitored school worker background checks (Detroit Free Press, 6/27/2023)
    • An audit has revealed that the Michigan Department of Education failed to adequately monitor the fingerprinting and criminal background checks of contracted school employees, posing a potential risk to child safety. The department was found to have performed poorly in ensuring compliance and providing timely notifications to school districts regarding criminal convictions of contracted employees. While the department agreed with some findings, it disputed certain aspects, and the auditor recommended improvements in laws related to school fingerprinting and monitoring to address the issue.
  • Oklahoma: State audit reveals preferential treatment in federal education grant distribution, leaving many low-income families without aid (Fox25, 7/3/2023)
    • A recent state audit report has raised concerns about the distribution of funds from a federal education grant program in Oklahoma. The audit alleges that five private schools received preferential treatment, while hundreds of financially needy families were left without any financial assistance. The Stay in School (SIS) Program, which aimed to help low-income families cover private school tuition during the pandemic, had questionable spending of $6.5 million, rewarded students from families reporting no economic hardship, and failed to provide assistance to 650 students from low-income families. The audit reveals that the distribution of funds favored certain private schools, leading to criticism that families should have been the recipients of the financial support. However, Positive Tomorrows, a school serving families experiencing homelessness, stated that they acted in good faith and used the funds to cover the educational expenses of their students.
  • California: Report: CSU system failed to investigate most sexual harassment reports or track offenders, auditor finds (The Press Democrat, 7/14/2023)
    • A confidential draft report by the California state auditor’s office reveals numerous problems and inconsistencies in sexual harassment investigations across California State University (CSU) campuses. The report criticizes the chancellor’s office for not providing campuses with detailed guidelines to address allegations against employees. The audit, approved last year by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, found that a majority of sexual harassment reports against CSU employees were never formally investigated, with shoddy data collection preventing tracking of repeat offenders.
  • State auditor finds Georgia’s education programs for gifted students need improvement (The Current, 8/12/2023)
    • Georgia’s program for gifted students faces challenges including large class sizes, inadequate teacher training, and issues with student selection, as per a report from the state auditor’s office. Despite a ratio of 12 students per teacher, over 77% of gifted classes exceed this limit, impacting individualized instruction. The state has spent between 30% to 68% more on each gifted student, but potential benefits aren’t fully realized due to these problems. The report suggests adjustments to funding, reviewing class sizes, and improving differentiation in teaching methods, while also noting disparities in student selection and instruction processes.
  • Virginia: Report: State test, ‘unclear’ requirements, and costs may be barriers in teacher pipeline (Virginia Mercury, 9/12/2023)
    • As Virginia school divisions grapple with teacher shortages, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) identified potential barriers including unclear licensure requirements, the costs of teacher preparation, and an outdated licensure test. Teacher vacancies have been reported in various Virginia school divisions, with some recording rates as high as 40.4%. While JLARC has made recommendations to improve teacher preparation and licensure processes, it emphasizes that addressing broader issues like inadequate support, high workloads, ineffective school leadership, and low salaries is essential to significantly alleviate the teacher shortage in the state.
  • Guam: Oversight hearing: From molds to school violence (Pacific Daily News, 11/2/2023)
    • During a legislative oversight hearing on Guam’s public schools, Education Superintendent Erik Swanson reassured senators that students are safe within the school environments despite issues such as mold and violence on campuses. Senator Chris Barnett expressed frustration over the barriers to students’ education, including dilapidated classrooms, and emphasized the need to focus on academics and student success instead. Swanson highlighted the significant funding required for major school projects, including roof repairs and refurbishing athletic facilities, while addressing concerns about school violence through educational initiatives and presentations by the Guam Police Department.
  • ‘All the children were homeschooled’: Michigan AG, lawmakers call for home school accountability (Detroit Free Press, 12/6/2023)
    • Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and State Rep. Matt Koleszar are urging increased state oversight of homeschooling in response to recent child abuse cases where homeschooling was exploited to conceal mistreatment. Michigan is one of only 11 states that does not count or register homeschooled children. Advocates argue for accountability, citing instances of abuse going undetected due to the lack of monitoring, while opponents, including homeschooling advocates, view proposed registration requirements as an infringement on parental rights and government overreach.Education committees in both houses are researching the issue.
  • West Virginia lawmakers receive update on science of reading efforts (The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, 12/11/2023)
    • The West Virginia Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability received updates on the state’s new science of reading program and fall benchmark tests during a committee meeting. Sonya White, deputy superintendent of the state Department of Education, stated that students in kindergarten through third grades who needed literacy intervention will likely show improvements in the next round of testing this winter, despite learning gaps due to the pandemic. White also discussed the success of House Bill 3035, known as the Third Grade Success Act, which mandates screeners, benchmark assessments, and support systems for K-3 students, with other states expressing interest.
  • After Delay, D.C. Council Conducts Hearing on Chronic Absenteeism (The Washington Informer, 12/13/2023)
    • The D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on chronic absenteeism, a significant concern for parents, educators, and officials due to its link with juvenile crime. The hearing aimed to address the root causes of students’ absenteeism and to develop strategies to improve attendance. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that avoids criminalizing absenteeism while recognizing its correlation with juvenile delinquency. Witnesses, including educators and parents, testified about the importance of out-of-school programming, the need for better training for Safe Passage workers, and the detrimental effects of punitive measures on chronically absent students. They also highlighted successful strategies such as building community, assigning adult champions to monitor attendance, and providing transportation to improve attendance rates.
  • California: LAO recommends more spending transparency for county offices of education (EDSource, 3/14/2024)
    • The Legislative Analyst’s Office is recommending increased spending transparency for county offices of education, suggesting annual reports summarizing activities and spending breakdowns to enhance accountability. With a broad range of responsibilities, county offices oversee various programs, including court schools and academic assistance for struggling student groups. Recommendations include establishing outcome metrics for county-run schools and comprehensive expenditure reports for improved public visibility and oversight.
  • Pennsylvania: Sudden Closure of University of the Arts Sparks Outcry and Legislative Action (MyChesCo, 6/18/2024)
    • The sudden closure of the University of the Arts in Pennsylvania has sparked an outcry from students, faculty, and alumni, leading to calls for legislative action. The closure, which came as a shock to many, has raised concerns about the future of arts education in the state and the potential impact on the creative community. Legislators are now considering measures to address the situation and prevent similar abrupt closures of educational institutions in the future.
  • State Auditor: Mississippi chronic absenteeism rising faster than neighboring states (WTVA, 7/8/2024)
    • State Auditor Shad White has released a report indicating that chronic absenteeism in Mississippi schools has increased by over 76 percent by 2023, outpacing neighboring states such as Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Arkansas, which have seen smaller increases or even decreases. The report warns that this trend will have long-term costs for taxpayers and suggests potential solutions like adjusting driver’s license requirements for minors and expanding JROTC programs to address the issue.
  • Minnesota: Campus Protest Hearings Continue at the State Level (Inside Higher Ed, 7/16/2024)
    • State-level hearings on campus protests are ongoing, with a focus on antisemitism and the handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Critics argue that federal hearings on campus protests were politically motivated, but state lawmakers and higher education experts view these hearings as a necessary part of legislative oversight, emphasizing the importance of communication between legislators and university administrators for a more civil and productive conversation. The hearings address concerns about controversial statements, academic freedom, and the handling of legal charges against protesters.
  • Washington lacks special education teachers, audit finds (Washington State Standard, 7/15/2024)
    • Washington State is grappling with a shortage of qualified special education teachers, with at least 1.5% of them not holding the necessary credentials, according to a new state audit. This percentage is nearly three times higher than for other content areas, with the next highest being elementary education at 0.6%. Roughly 143,000 students in Washington receive special education services, with 5,813 full-time equivalent classroom teachers reported for the 2022-2023 school year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) acknowledged the issue and highlighted its efforts to address the shortage, including a teacher residency program and advocating for funding for special education and data tracking. Despite these efforts, the high turnover and lack of qualified teachers remain a critical concern.
  • California: UCSC reported inaccurate crime statistics, state auditor’s report finds (Lookout Santa Cruz, 8/2/2024)
    • The California State Auditor’s office reviewed six higher education institutions, including UC Santa Cruz, for compliance with federal crime reporting requirements under the Clery Act. It found that UCSC underreported 33 crimes, including serious offenses like domestic battery and rape, in its 2022 statistics to the U.S. Department of Education. The audit revealed that UCSC and four other universities had inaccurate crime statistics due to a lack of written procedures for accurate reporting. UCSC attributed the errors to turnover in the Clery coordinator position and the absence of guidance for an interim coordinator. The State Auditor recommended periodic reviews of all institutions subject to the Clery Act and online publication of results. UCSC has acknowledged the findings and is working to improve transparency and compliance with the Clery Act.
  • State auditors flag Georgia’s driver’s ed program for outdated lessons, lack of rigor (Georgia Recorder, 9/13/2024)
    • A state audit of Georgia’s driver’s education program identified issues with outdated curricula and insufficient rigor. Three of the four approved classroom curricula have not been updated in over 15 years, which corresponds to the age at which students typically begin the program. The audit also found a lack of data to measure the program’s effectiveness, raising concerns about its ability to adequately prepare young drivers​.
  • West Virginia schools don’t have money to implement needed security measures like safe entries (West Virginia Watch, 11/10/2024)
    • West Virginia schools are facing financial challenges in implementing essential security measures, such as secure entry points, due to limited funding. The Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability heard testimony that despite state laws mandating certain safety protocols, many schools lack the necessary resources to comply fully. This funding shortfall raises concerns about the effectiveness of current school safety initiatives and the state’s commitment to protecting students and staff.
  • Student violence, bullying focus of West Virginia legislative interim meetings (The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, 12/11/2024)
    • During recent legislative interim meetings in Charleston, West Virginia, educators reported increasing incidents of student violence and bullying, particularly in middle schools, with 55% of harassment cases occurring at this level. The state Department of Education’s annual report noted that out of 170,721 discipline referrals, 2% involved harassment, intimidation, or bullying, with 14% of these related to race or physical appearance. Lawmakers are considering measures such as funding alternative education centers and increasing behavioral interventionists to address these challenges.
  • West Virginia: Bill Expanding Legislative Oversight Of Public Education Advances (West Virginia Public Broadcasting, 3/31/2025)
    • A bill advancing in the West Virginia Senate would expand the authority of the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability to review rules proposed by the state Board of Education. According to lawmakers supporting the bill, the intent is to increase transparency and ensure education policies align with legislative intent. Critics have expressed concern that the measure could politicize education policy decisions.
  • Audit: Utah state school board falling short of compliance oversight duties on building inspection projects (Deseret News, 5/21/2025)
    • A recent audit by the Utah Office of the Legislative Auditor General found that the state’s school building inspection system lacks consistency and oversight. According to the audit, some school districts conducted inspections without proper documentation or failed to address identified issues. The report recommends clearer state guidance and increased oversight to ensure student safety in public school facilities.
  • Illinois: Fiscal watchdog says state financial oversight for CPS is worth exploring (Chicago Sun-Times, 6/16/2025)
    • A report from the Civic Federation suggests that placing Chicago Public Schools (CPS) under state financial oversight could help address ongoing budget challenges and improve long-term fiscal stability. The watchdog group cited CPS’s rising debt, structural deficits, and heavy reliance on temporary funding sources as reasons for considering oversight. The recommendation follows a pattern seen in other districts that have faced financial distress and were later stabilized through state intervention.
  • Audit Reveals Special Education Teacher Licensing Gaps in Delaware Schools (WBOC, 7/8/2025)
    • A state audit found that 4% of all public school teachers, including 62 special education teachers, in Delaware lacked expired or invalid licensure as of March 5, 2025. The Office of Auditor of Accounts reported weaknesses in the Department of Education’s monitoring processes and recommended stronger oversight and data tracking. According to the audit, these gaps could impact the quality of education provided to students with disabilities.
  • West Virginia: Lawmakers Hear Promising Numbers On Childhood Literacy Efforts (WV Public Broadcasting, 9/8/2025)
    • According to testimony from Deputy Superintendent Sonya White before the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability, early-grade students are showing progress in reading and math, with nearly 6% fewer kindergartners needing individualized interventions by the end of the year. White noted that benchmark testing, required under the Third Grade Success Act, was impacted by winter weather, resulting in a limited time between mid-year and end-of-year assessments. She estimated that 2,000 to 3,000 third-grade students could be subject to retention under the law starting in the 2026–2027 school year, prompting the Department of Education to prepare guidance and early interventions for affected students.
  • Auditor Rob Sand to review Iowa‘s education licensing procedures (CBS2 Iowa, 10/22/2025)
    • Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand announced a review of the state’s education licensing procedures following reports of delays and miscommunication affecting teacher certifications. According to Sand, the review will focus on the Department of Education and Board of Educational Examiners, and aims to assess the efficiency and transparency of licensing operations to ensure accountability.
  • New Hampshire: As state’s school voucher program expands, legislative oversight committee has not met in a year (New Hampshire Bulletin, 12/8/2025)
    • A legislative oversight committee responsible for monitoring New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program has not met in over a year, despite the program’s rapid expansion and rising costs. According to the New Hampshire Bulletin, lawmakers intended for the committee to provide ongoing evaluation, but it has remained inactive amid concerns about program transparency and accountability. Some legislators have called for the committee to reconvene to assess the program’s impact and financial oversight.
  • New Hampshire: EFA oversight committee to meet this month after year-long lapse (News from the States, 12/10/2025)
    • New Hampshire’s legislative oversight committee for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program is scheduled to meet this month after not convening for over a year. The meeting follows concerns raised by lawmakers over the committee’s inactivity during a period of significant growth in the EFA program. According to legislators, the upcoming session will focus on reviewing the program’s operations and discussing potential improvements to oversight mechanisms.
  • Legislative Oversight Dispute Raises Transparency Questions at Oregon Early Learning Agency (Grants Pass Tribune, 1/4/2026)
    • A dispute between Oregon lawmakers and the Early Learning Division has raised concerns over transparency and legislative oversight after the agency reportedly withheld key documents from an oversight committee. Legislators stated that the lack of cooperation hindered their ability to assess the agency’s performance and funding needs. The committee is considering formal actions to ensure compliance with legislative information requests.
  • Idaho: Oversight of virtual schools deemed lacking (The Challis Messenger, 1/11/2026)
    • An Idaho legislative working group identified significant gaps in the oversight of virtual charter schools, citing issues such as limited financial transparency and inadequate academic monitoring. Lawmakers expressed concern over the State Board of Education’s ability to enforce accountability measures and are considering legislative reforms. The group plans to present recommendations in the upcoming legislative session to address oversight deficiencies.
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