This bill amends various sections of the West Virginia Code to enhance educational programs and technologies aimed at preparing students for future workforce needs. It allows local fiscal bodies to enter into multi-year contracts for the procurement of educational materials that include a technology licensing service component, provided that these contracts result in material fiscal savings and include a cancellation clause. Additionally, the bill extends the Mountain State Digital Project to include grades 9-12 and incorporates educational support and tutoring in subjects such as reading, mathematics, science, and career-technical education. The Department of Education is also tasked with providing training in the science of reading for kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers, with specific parameters for implementation.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section that mandates ongoing, intensive training in the science of reading for all kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers, with a focus on practical classroom application. Current teachers must enroll in this training by the 2026-2027 school year, while new teachers are required to participate in their first year. Successful completion of the training will result in a certificate at no cost. The bill also allows public charter school educators to voluntarily participate in this training, ensuring a broader reach of the initiative.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-8-26, 18-2E-12, 18-9A-10, 18A-3-13
Committee Substitute: 11-8-26, 18-2E-12, 18-9A-10, 18A-3-13
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 11-8-26, 18-2E-12, 18A-3-13
Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 11-8-26, 18-2E-12, 18A-3-13