The bill 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 by December 31, 2022. This change aims to streamline the reporting process and alleviate administrative burdens associated with these educational initiatives. In its place, the bill requires the State Board of Education to provide an annual comprehensive report on the program's status and its impact on student achievement.

Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for high-quality educational facilities, instructional materials, and teacher training to enhance early literacy and numeracy support programs within county boards. It mandates extended year programs for qualifying kindergarten through third graders and specifies that instructional materials must be based on scientifically-based reading research, explicitly excluding the Three-Cueing Systems Model. The bill also clarifies that teachers can recommend grade retention for students who do not master core subjects, while ensuring that individualized education plans for exceptional students remain unaffected. Furthermore, it introduces provisions for the retention of third-grade students who do not demonstrate adequate understanding of grade-level material, with specific exceptions for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those receiving intensive intervention.

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