CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education recently announced additional opportunities for input on education reform. The WVDE announced an eighth education forum in Wood County at Blennerhassett Middle School on March 25 at 6 p.m.

“We evaluated our registrations and determined the Mid-Ohio Valley area was under represented,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine. “We strive to provide a voice for all stakeholders with an interest in education and look forward to visiting Wood County.”

Additionally, the WVDE launched an online survey for families and communities as well as a survey designed to solicit input from students. The goal of both surveys is to elicit valuable input from those who are invaluable to advancing student learning. Surveys will be available until April 3, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

Each confidential, web-based survey will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Students will address their educational experiences and families and communities will provide input on their perceptions of education and how to improve student outcomes.

Findings from the survey will be included in a summary report for Governor Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia Legislature.  This report will summarize the statewide forums and highlight research-based strategies to improve student achievement.

“These surveys provide an additional opportunity to gather information about education in West Virginia from our families and students who are an integral part of the education system,” Paine said. “We anticipate feedback that is rich in thought, detail and insight which is exactly what we need to enhance public education. The genesis of learning begins with our students, parents and communities and we want to make sure they are connected to our efforts to improve public education.”

All West Virginia students in grades 6-12 received an email in their K12 email accounts with a link to take the survey. For students who have questions or did not receive an email, please contact ed.voice.wvde@k12.wv.us.

The families and community survey is available online by visiting https://wvde.us/education-public-forum/.