CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Students in need of extra help with their schoolwork are getting it at schools across the state, the West Virginia Board of Education learned during its July meeting.

The board last year adopted state Policy 2512: Instructional Supports for Third and Eighth Grade Students to Achieve Critical Skills to incorporate legislative changes requiring schools to provide extra assistance to students in danger of not having the necessary skills to advance from the third and eighth grades. With $6.2 million in grant money made available last year, counties have set up 119 intervention programs before, after and during school, as well as over spring break and over the summer break.

“Counties are working hard to make sure struggling students get the additional help they need at crucial times in their educational careers,” said state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine. “Research tells us that if children don’t master certain critical skills by the third grade, it is difficult for them to catch up. Eighth grade also is a pivotal point to ensure that children have success in high school and beyond. This program is helping address that.”

Statewide, 6,282 third graders have received help in reading and 6,163 have received help with math. Among eighth grade students, 7,401 have received intervention help in reading and 8,344 received assistance with math, according to data presented to the board.

To qualify for a grant, counties were required to

·         write a data-based needs statement

·         identify the number of students to receive critical skills supports and intervention

·         identify types/levels of support and interventions students will receive before, during and after school

·         utilize student management and reporting system

·         secure parent involvement

·         describe summer intervention program

·         access and braid resources

·         coordinate with RESA/Higher Education and Community-based agencies

·         submit a budget .

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (304) 558-2699.

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