The Senate Education Committee has approved one concurrent resolution and one bill to be reported to the floor with the recommendation that they pass.
HCR 66 would request the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the sustainability of the state’s current system of higher education and how the state can better support the public institutions of higher education.
HB 3061 would encourage a limited cohort of no more than 20 schools to implement mastery-based education through the federal “Innovation In Education” program.
The schools with the program would move from the current time-based model toward a mastery-based model of education that allows for more personalized and differentiated learning, creates a focus on explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives and empowers students to progress to higher levels as they demonstrate mastery with additional focus on those who have not.
Michelle Blatt of the WV Dept. of Education was available to answer questions from members of the committee regarding funding for the program.
The committee also began discussion on HB 2711, which would promote an efficient and effective public education system by reducing state bureaucracy, restoring local control through increased flexibility in regulations for county school systems and providing supports for classroom teachers throughout the state.
The bill more specifically abolishes Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA) and funding by July 1, 2017, eliminates the office of Education Performance Audits and establishes the County Superintendents’ Advisory Council.
Joey Garcia of the Governor’s Office addressed questions related to grant funding.
The bill will be referred to Senate Finance once reported to the floor.
The committee will meet 9 a.m. tomorrow in 451M.
