Important State Education Policies

The table below shows state policies regarding school closure, graduation requirements, state assessments, mask policy, COVID-19 vaccine policy, and per pupil funding for each state.

For data context about education data from state education agencies, please see details here.

California Florida New York Tennessee Texas Washington
Spring 2020 School Closure (2019-20 Academic Year)
Schools were ordered closed through the rest of academic year. School closure was extended from May 1, 2020, through the rest of academic year. School closure was extended from May 15, 2020, through the rest of academic year. School closure was extended from April 24, 2020, through the rest of academic year. Schools were ordered closed through the rest of academic year. School closure was extended from April 24, 2020, through the rest of academic year.
Fall 2020 School Closure (2020-21 Academic Year)
Reopening guidance was provided by the state; however, the mode of instruction was locally determined. Schools ordered to open for in-person instruction. Schools ordered to open for in-person instruction. Reopening guidance was provided by the state; however, the mode of instruction was locally determined. Reopening guidance was provided by the state; however, the mode of instruction was locally determined. Reopening guidance was provided by the state; however, the mode of instruction was locally determined.
Were graduation requirements adapted due to COVID-19 during the 2019-20 academic year?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Were state assessments administered in the 2019-20 school year?
No No Yes No No No
Were state assessments administered in the 2020-21 school year?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Delayed to Fall 2021
Mask Policy (2020-21 Implentation - Requirment or Ban)
Requirment Ban Requirment Unclear - TN law that prohibits schools from enforcing mask mandates has been blocked and reappealed Ban Requirment
COVID-19 Vaccine Policy (Including Staff & Students)
COVID-19 vaccination required for all educators and all students eligible for the vaccine based on full FDA approval. State prohibits vaccine mandates. COVID-19 vaccination required for teachers and staff. State restricts vaccine mandates. State prohibits vaccine mandates. COVID-19 vaccination required for all school employees.
Per-Pupil State Funding (Prepandemic, During, and Postpandemic)
2019: $16,872
2020: $14,053
2021: $12,498 		2019: $11,204.
2020: $9,937
2021: $9,346 		2019: $29,840.
2020: $25,520
2021: $24,040 		2019: $10,746.
2020: $9,301
2021: $9,544 		2019: $12,881
2020: Not reported
2021: $9,606 		2019: $17,245
2020: $14,556
2021: $12,995
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