The bill introduced on February 17, 2025, amends the Code of West Virginia by eliminating the requirement for a one-time report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability regarding the implementation of extended learning opportunity programs and the multi-tiered system of support for early literacy and numeracy. Specifically, it deletes the provision that mandated the Department of Education to prepare a report on these programs by December 31, 2022. This change is intended to streamline the reporting process and alleviate administrative burdens associated with these educational initiatives.

In addition to the reporting changes, the bill establishes a program by the State Board of Education that allows high school students to earn elective course credits for participating in approved extended learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom. It sets criteria for program evaluation and monitoring, emphasizes the importance of alternative educational opportunities, and mandates county boards to provide high-quality facilities and instructional materials based on scientifically-based reading research, explicitly excluding the Three-Cueing Systems Model. The bill also clarifies teacher authority regarding grade retention for students in early grades, prohibits tuition for early literacy and numeracy programs, and requires in-service training for early childhood educators. Furthermore, it introduces a new mandate for the state board to provide an annual comprehensive report on the multi-tiered support system for literacy and numeracy, detailing program progress and funding sources, while establishing specific criteria for the retention of third-grade students who do not demonstrate adequate understanding of English language arts or mathematics.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-7f, 18-2E-10