Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today encouraged the newly established 19-member Governor’s Commission on Middle Grades to study best practices and develop specific recommendations for raising student achievement in West Virginia middle schools.
“Research shows middle school is the time when many students are at a critical crossroads,” Gov. Tomblin said to the group comprised of educators, business leaders and legislators. “I believe, together, we can put these young minds on the path to educational and career success by making the connection between the students’ personal interest and future career opportunities.”
Members of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) presented middle grades research to the commission at today’s meeting. The Commission is tasked with studying the SREB’s Middle Grades Commission report, “A New Mission for Middle Grades,” and developing West Virginia specific recommendations for improving student achievement in the middle grades by Jan. 15, 2014. Gov. Tomblin established the Commission as part of his education reform initiative which includes legislation, executive orders and coordination with the State Department of Education.
