CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Education Alliance is teaming up with Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for a one-day education summit. It’s called “Excellence in Education Is Everyone’s Business.”
Dr. Amelia Courts heads up the Education Alliance. She said the Tuesday gathering at Charleston Civic Center will focus in on issues that are critical to improving the state’s education system.
“We are in an urgent time that we need to improve our public schools to make sure that we have citizens that are prepared for the jobs of the future in our state,” explained Courts.
The governor will kick off the summit with the keynote address. Then the more than 200 participants will break off into strategy sessions. There are two topics: accountability systems and reading on level by third grade. Two issues addressed in the state’s new education reform law passed by state lawmakers earlier this year and signed into law by Gov. Tomblin.
Courts said the latter is pivotal in a state where third graders just aren’t measuring up to the national average. She she said oftentimes not everyone is on the same page.
“You may not have the opportunity to hear what successful strategies are in other states. You may not know what the business community can bring to the table to support reading by third grade. You may not know what community organizations are aiming at to reach that goal,” according to Courts.
She said that’s why the summit is so important. They’ll provide that information. The goal is to partner those people and groups with school systems.
“Bring our business partners to the table, bring our community members along, make sure our parents are represented and students have a voice,” stressed Courts.
During the afternoon session, a town hall summit will be held to allow participants to share their opinions, make suggestions and ask questions. Former Governor Gaston Caperton will be moderating that event.