CHARLESTON, W.Va. — New state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine says he wants West Virginia students to learn without being over-tested.
“We over-assess students,” said Paine on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline, one week after returning to the job.
Paine, who replaced former state Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano last week, said, “We need to reduce the amount of testing time and increase the amount of time students are engaged in the classroom with instruction.”
He wouldn’t name a preferred testing vendor, but did say the state needs to find an assessment where students are “motivated” to do well and one that is aligned with accurate results aligned with West Virginia’s teaching standards.
Having worked in the digital technology sector for about six years, Paine said he can bring that expertise to his new job.
“I know the application of digital technologies and how we can accelerate in enhanced learning in both urban and rural settings,” he said.
Paine was state Superintendent during the Manchin administration from 2005-2011. He came from Wayne County where he previous served as the interim superintendent there.
“Lessons learned from the first time around, lessons learned in the private sector — I might just have something to offer that is needed right now, so that’s why I’m back,” he said.
There’s a sense of “fulfillment” to serve children, students, parents, teachers, principals, superintendents and others, Paine said. “I really missed that. I missed being on the front line really making a difference.”
Paine started the job last Monday at a salary of $230,000 a year.
Paine joined the state Department of Education in 2003 as the deputy state Superintendent of Schools after serving as superintendent of Morgan County Schools. He has also served as principal, assistant principal, teacher and curriculum director in the Upshur and Harrison county school systems.