Focus On Reading, Math Fundamentals In Early Grades Paying Dividends In State Schools

Less than a day before the West Virginia Legislature gavels in for its regular session, the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA) received several program updates, including on student financial aid, rural health recruitment and dual enrollment.

Drew McClanahan, legislative and policy officer for the West Virginia Department of Education told lawmakers that efforts under the Third Grade Success Act have garnered national attention, particularly for educational recovery after COVID-19.

Passed in 2023, House Bill 3035 standardized reading and math education across the state and activated thousands of teachers’ aides to ensure targeted support for students. 

“Harvard and Stanford did a study where they saw West Virginia rose from 42nd to 11th nationally in reading growth and from 22nd to sixth nationally in numeracy growth, from 2022 to 2024,” McClanahan said.

Del. Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, said he wants to ensure the efforts are getting proper funding in the upcoming session.

“The way the money was written, we had to turn back over to the general fund last year, and it’s something we need to tweak in a code to continue that funding,” he said. “I want to make sure that we have the funding to go forward.”

McClanahan said that with legislative support and focus across the board, the state is well positioned to sustain and deepen its literacy and numeracy gains in 2026 and beyond.