The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the statewide student growth assessment program, specifically targeting student performance in reading and mathematics for grades three through eight. It mandates the inclusion of benchmark assessments to be conducted within the first 30 days of the school year, at mid-year, and a summative assessment at the end of the school year. The bill also removes obsolete language from existing law to streamline the assessment process, ensuring alignment with current educational standards and practices. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the state board in establishing a comprehensive assessment program that meets academic standards and federal requirements, emphasizing accountability measures and the importance of limiting instructional time consumed by assessments.

Moreover, the bill grants the state board the authority to intervene in the operation of a county school system under specific conditions, such as failure to fulfill statutory obligations that disrupt daily operations. It establishes a comprehensive process for improving education, which includes developing electronic strategic improvement plans and targeting resources to address deficiencies in student and school performance. The bill emphasizes building leadership capacity within county boards during interventions, requiring them to set goals and action plans for improvement within five years, overseen by the state superintendent. If a county board is not ready to regain control after five years, a public hearing will be held, and support for governance education will continue for up to three years post-intervention, with provisions for re-intervention if necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2E-5
Committee Substitute: 18-2E-5
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18-2E-5
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 18-2E-5