CHARLESTON, W.Va. - As a next step following the community review of the K-12 academic standards, West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Martirano recently announced the creation of the “Superintendent’s Commission on Assessment.” The Commission, comprised of education experts, lawmakers and higher education representatives, is tasked with reviewing current formal assessment practices in West Virginia and making recommendations for changes to help alleviate concerns coming out of the education field.
The assessment commission was convened by Dr. Martirano to explore a number of assessment-related issues including current assessment research, options for testing and the needs and opinions of various stakeholders.
Martirano provided an update on the Commission in response to recent interest and questions concerning its purpose.
“We appreciate the input we have received from the public and media concerning the desire for a public process and have reconsidered our decision to keep these meetings closed. I remain committed to transparency and want to make this a completely open process,” Martirano said.
Martirano also discussed the initial intent of the Commission work group.
"We have assembled a comprehensive group of stakeholders who represent all aspects of education in West Virginia,” Martirano said. “The intent of this series of meetings was never to discourage public input or meet behind closed doors, but rather to enable a group of stakeholders to facilitate a working session and explore all assessment options.”
The Superintendent’s Commission on Assessment will meet Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, at 10 a.m. in Capitol Building 6, Room 353, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.
A detailed agenda and list of Commission members follows:
For more information, contact Kristin Anderson at the WVDE Communications Office at (304) 558-2699 or kristin.anderson@k12.wv.us.