West Virginia’s new superintendent of schools has released his goals for improving the state’s public education system, including a focus on improving student attendance and graduation rates.
Michael Martirano presented the plan to the state Board of Education on Wednesday.
The plan would increase pre-kindergarten offerings in all elementary schools and early childhood learning centers, including the expansion of programs before and after school and during the summer.
He wants to maintain learning environments that are free of bullying, improve school attendance and reduce truancy, suspension and juvenile incarceration rates. He promotes expanding technology offerings, diversity in the workforce, highly qualified teachers and teacher retention.
Martirano says a new accountability system for grading public school performances will ensure that students are college and career ready.