West Virginia public school students are improving in English language arts (ELA), mathematics and science according to the most recent state assessment data. The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) received results from the 2024-2025 student assessments during its meeting today in Charleston. These include the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) for Grades 3-8, the SAT School Day for Grade 11, and the West Virginia Alternative Summative Assessment for Grades 3-8 and 11.

According to the report, 48 of the 55 counties improved in mathematics, with 26 of them meeting or exceeding annual growth targets set by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). In ELA, 52 counties showed improved proficiency, with 30 of them meeting or exceeding the annual growth target.

Overall, grade-level content improved or stayed the same with increases of 3% in ELA (to 48%), 2% in mathematics (to 38%) and 1% in science (to 30%). Additionally, the percentage of students in the lowest-scoring achievement level in Grade 3 decreased as well.

“We are so excited to see the continued progress of our students. It is the result of the hard work invested at the local and state levels,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “These incremental steps show sustainable growth that impacts student learning in tangible ways. We are grateful to our educators and administrators for their dedication to our students.”

Three years ago, the WVBE directed the State Department of Education to make sure all classroom instruction focused on the fundamental building blocks of learning. The WVDE, working with the West Virginia Legislature and county school systems, implemented the Third Grade Success Act in 2023 that provided unprecedented resources for early learning classrooms. West Virginia’s assessment trends reflect the consistent focus and commitment to the proven practices that strengthen student learning and achievement.

This year’s assessment data report can be found on today’s Board event calendar page and the ZoomWV dashboard.

Immunization Requirements

The WVBE voted unanimously to issue a letter to the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board (PCSB) to ensure that public charter schools are in full compliance with the State Board’s directive that public schools comply with the compulsory vaccination laws – W. Va. Code §16.3.4 and W. Va. Code §18-5G-3(c). According to state law, charter schools are subject to the same immunization requirements applicable to non-charter public schools which do not recognize religious exemptions.

Documents and a video recording of today’s meeting are available on the WVBE information page of the WVDE website.

The next regularly scheduled WVBE meeting will be announced at a later date.