By Scott Rotruck
The economic climate of our state is changing. While we remain optimistic for a future that is bright and rich with opportunities for young students, competition is also ever increasing. It is critical to prepare and empower students to be capable of critical thinking and problem solving so that whatever path they those choose in life, they can succeed.
The state has an obligation to provide a thorough and efficient education for all its young people. Part of that obligation is understanding where students are academically and outlining a plan to increase achievement moving forward. Students must graduate with the skills needed for the 21st century world of work so they can compete for jobs and other opportunities on a global scale. We must guarantee our children receive a quality education, no matter which school they attend in West Virginia.
Implementing an Accountability System
While there are many ways to improve student achievement and raise educational quality, one critical piece is the adoption and implementation of a statewide accountability system. This system must be structured to communicate student achievement and progress, based on multiple measures, which serves as a platform for school improvement.
During the state board of education’s June 2016 meeting, a revised policy was adopted in which public schools will earn a grade of A through F based on multiple measures of student and school performance. The policy was revised in response to stakeholder input, and performance metrics were finalized. The system is designed to be transparent and provide data while using language that can be easily understood by parents, the community and all stakeholders. Schools will be held accountable for what is considered their core mission—increasing student achievement.
This accountability system will help schools identify their strengths and weaknesses, establish goals and develop a plan for continuous improvement to measure year-to-year student progress based on multiple measures of performance. It will also increase community engagement around local schools, encouraging support and involvement by local businesses, community leaders and parents.
According to the Every Student Succeeds Act recently signed into law, states are required to implement an accountability system that is state-determined and based on multiple measures. This commitment to accountability helps ensure parents have objective information on academic achievement while empowering state and district leaders to identify struggling students and schools so action can be taken to increase achievement.
Communities should rally around this concept and view it as a means of supporting schools. This system is not punitive but rather celebrates successes and helps schools get better. It is a fair system that will aid counties in identifying areas for intervention and support. Ultimately, our students will benefit from it being in place. It is also critical that the West Virginia Legislature and governor have the best information possible so they can strategically allocate the necessary budget dollars to the education system.
West Virginia’s accountability system will make certain every student is demonstrating growth toward proficiency, attending school regularly and graduating from high school prepared for college or a career. We must ensure the next generation of West Virginians is prepared to create an even brighter future for the Mountain State.
About the Author
Scott Rotruck is the newest member of the West Virginia Board of Education. He is a member of The Education Alliance Board and currently serves as the director of energy and transportation services at Spilman Thomas and Battle, PLLC, where he works as part of Spilman’s government relations, energy and Shale practice groups. Rotruck grew up in Keyser, WV, and now lives in Morgantown with his wife, Carol. They have three children and two grandchildren who have all benefited from the public education system in West Virginia.
