indicated that every dollar invested in high-quality early learning
programming later yields at least a $7 return on investment.
An Updated Assessment and Accountability Plan
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law
in December 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. The
federal legislation represents a shift from broad federal oversight
to greater flexibility of primary and secondary education at the
state and local levels. ESSA requires all states to develop plans
that address academic standards, assessments, accountability
and support for struggling schools. West Virginia’s plan, which
was submitted to
the federal govern-
ment in September
2017, includes the
introduction of a
new statewide as-
sessment that will
require 11th grade
students to take
a nationally ac-
credited college
entrance exam,
giving students a
personal investment
in the test.
The new plan
also includes a
revamped ac-
countability system
to evaluate and
support schools. West Virginia’s School Accountability System
will evaluate schools based on five different measures that each
help predict future success in various career fields. For the first
time, Lexile and Quantile scale scores will be considered. A Lexile
level measures a student’s reading ability and the difficulty of
the words the student is able to understand. A Quantile level
measures a student’s ability to solve math problems. Lexiles
and Quantiles can be used to gauge the reading and math
levels required for specific careers. The measures help students
understand the reading and math demands needed for various
careers. For example, if a student hopes to become a welder,
that student should be reading on a Lexile level of 1175, or
if a student wants to be a pediatrician, that student should be
reading on a Lexile level of 1440.
The Transformation of Vocational Education
West Virginia has become a national role model in the im-
plementation of career technical education (CTE). Under the
leadership of Kathy D’Antoni, associate superintendent for
Technical Education & Governor’s Economic Initiatives, West
Virginia has implemented a simulated workplace initiative that
transforms the average classroom into a professional work-
place environment—a student-led company—and provides
students the opportunity to earn state and national certifica-
tions upon completion of the program. Teachers trained in in-
dustries such as architecture, manufacturing and health science
oversee the simulated workplace companies and create high-
quality business and industry learning environments. Students
are assigned professional roles like foreman or safety supervi-
sor, follow company attendance policies like punching a time
clock and are even offered vacation days. Students also partici-
pate in their company’s random drug testing.
“We’re not just building birdhouses anymore,” says D’Antoni.
“Today’s career technical education demands more of students
and teachers than taking part in shop activities and building
projects. We are transforming the career technical process by
empowering the student and providing them the opportunity to
learn stackable skill sets that prepare them for successful careers.”
The West Virginia Department of Education has forged a
partnership with
the West Virginia
Department of
Commerce to de-
termine what skills
and knowledge are
needed to meet
the state’s future
workforce needs.
According to West
Virginia Depart-
ment of Commerce
Secretary Woody
Thrasher, the in-
dustries for growing
jobs in West Virginia
are automotive,
chemicals, plastics,
building products
and energy. Thrash-
er’s office is also strategizing how to grow the information tech-
nology, cyber and fine chemicals sectors. D’Antoni plans to use
this partnership as a guide to determine what skills are needed
for the jobs of the future and ensure West Virginia students are
graduating with those skill sets.
In partnership with Governor Jim Justice’s office in 2017,
D’Antoni’s division launched a Governor’s Workforce Creden-
tial that CTE students can earn to ensure West Virginia’s devel-
oping workforce has industry-ready skills to meet the demands
of business and industry. Earning this credential symbolizes the
recipient has demonstrated the attainment of specific skill sets
required by business and industry. The credential also allows
employers to quickly identify potential employees for skilled
job openings.
Beginning in early 2018, the student-led simulated workplace
companies will partner with the Division of Natural Resources
to enhance state parks throughout the Mountain State. Many of
West Virginia’s parks have not been updated for more than 30
years. The student-led companies will complete a wide range of
needed updates, including construction of picnic tables, repair
of HVAC systems and restoration of bath houses.
West Virginia’s economy has struggled considerably with an
aging population, low workforce participation and dramatic
changes within the energy sector. The solution lies in developing
a skilled workforce for sustained economic growth. Students
are West Virginia’s most important resource, and career readi-
ness and investment in education from early childhood through
college are critical for West Virginia’s future.
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