The proposed bill aims to establish the Academic Quality in Public Education Act in West Virginia, introducing new standards for public schools that align with those required for private and parochial schools. It includes provisions for a minimum instructional term of 180 days, maintenance of attendance and immunization records, compliance with health and safety regulations, and the establishment of crisis response plans. Additionally, the bill mandates that public schools administer a nationally normed standardized achievement test each year, with specific requirements for test administration and reporting of results to parents and the State Superintendent of Schools.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a public school's composite test results fall below the fortieth percentile for two consecutive years, the school will no longer meet the compulsory attendance requirement, and students will be considered delinquent. This legislation seeks to enhance the quality of education in public schools by ensuring accountability and setting clear performance benchmarks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2L-1, 18-2L-2, 18-2L-3