This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance transparency and accountability in K-12 education by requiring schools to prominently display their report cards on their websites, which must include specific performance metrics such as the percentage of students scoring proficient and distinguished in reading and mathematics. It mandates that county boards of education utilize a statewide electronic information system for data collection and reporting to the state Department of Education. Additionally, the state board of education is tasked with posting a rank order of all schools based on overall academic performance and providing guidance to assist county boards in meeting these new requirements. The legislation also establishes a comprehensive statewide student growth assessment program and mandates the adoption of high-quality education standards.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for the accreditation and oversight processes of schools, allowing the state board to establish accreditation levels based on multiple performance measures and conduct annual reviews of school systems. It grants the state board the authority to intervene in extraordinary circumstances, including declaring a state of emergency and limiting county board authority if necessary. The bill emphasizes building leadership capacity within county boards during interventions, requiring them to set goals and action plans for performance improvement. Public hearings are mandated after the fifth annual assessment of a county board's readiness to regain control, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process. Overall, the legislation aims to improve educational outcomes by strategically targeting resources and enhancing governance within West Virginia's school systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2E-5