This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 18A-3-13, to the Code of West Virginia, mandating that all public school teachers instructing Kindergarten through Grade 5 in literacy must obtain an endorsement in the science of reading. The requirement will take effect no later than the 2026-2027 school year, with current educators required to enroll in the necessary professional training by the 2027-2028 school year. The training will be provided by the West Virginia Department of Education and will include high-quality professional learning, ongoing intensive training, classroom application activities, and live sessions over multiple school years.

Additionally, newly employed teachers in these grades will need to enroll in the training during their first year of employment. Once educators complete the training, they can apply for the Science of Reading endorsement at no cost. The State Board has the authority to offer accommodations for counties where educators are still in the process of obtaining the endorsement. Public charter school teachers will have the option to participate in these requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-3-13
Committee Substitute: 18A-3-13
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18A-3-13