The proposed bill, titled "The High School Educator Flexibility Act of 2026," aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a framework for course-specific teaching permits for educators. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "approved professional learning," "approved provider," and "high-quality course," and outlines the eligibility criteria for educators to obtain these permits. The bill allows certified educators without specific subject endorsements to teach high-quality courses in both academic and career-technical education areas, provided they complete approved professional learning linked to the course content. Local education agencies will have the authority to assign these educators to classrooms requiring specialized instruction.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Board of Education to maintain an updated list of approved high-quality courses and providers, ensuring that educators have access to the necessary training. It also includes provisions for career-technical education funding, ensuring that instructors with course-specific permits are recognized as appropriately licensed for funding purposes. This legislation is designed to enhance educational opportunities in rural communities by aligning course offerings with the needs of parents and employers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2L-1, 18-2L-2, 18-2L-3, 18-2L-4, 18-2L-5, 18-2L-6, 18-2L-7