FAIRMONT —
Several reports are released each year to measure and compare data in the educational system nationwide.
But a recent study has alarmed the Rev. James Saunders, president of the Marion County Board of Education.
According to a statistical analysis in Kids Count, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation that tracks the well-being of children, West Virginia is ranked 47th in the nation for its educational standing.
Even more alarming for administrators is the number of students showing a need for more attention in certain subject areas. Seventy-nine percent of eighth-graders in West Virginia aren’t proficient in math, while 73 percent of fourth-graders aren’t proficient in reading.
“Honestly, that alarms me,” Saunders said.
Data is collected from two sources: National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data and Early Childhood.
Often referred to as the nation’s report card, NAEP data looks at a representative sample of fourth- and eighth-graders. Designed by the National Assessment Governing Board, national assessments are conducted every two years in a variety of subject areas, including the arts, civics, economics, geography, mathematics, reading, science, U.S. history and writing.
Because it is based on sampling, Randy Farley, administrative assistant for curriculum, technology and instruction, said it doesn’t show the overall picture.
Find the full story in Sunday’s Times West Virginian, available at newsstands or through home delivery by calling 304-367-2525 or 304-367-2527.
Local News
Is there an education crisis in W.Va.?
- Local News
-
-
Three Rivers Festival features variety of entertainment
The 34th annual West Virginia Three Rivers Festival started in fine form Thursday night with a grand feature parade through downtown Fairmont, ending at Palatine Park with opening ceremonies.
The parade launches the annual festival, which draws many to the city’s Palatine Park for fun-filled activities for the young and the young at heart. -
County pools opening for summer
For many, Memorial Day weekend marks the real beginning of summer.
And nothing says summer like hitting the pool.
The 12th Street Park and Mannington pools and the East Marion Park Wave Pool open Saturday for the summer, offering families the chance to beat the heat and enjoy a day of fun in the water. -
Julia Pierpont Day celebration Saturday
Members of the community are invited to kick off Memorial Day Weekend at the 9th annual Julia Pierpont Day celebration, set for Saturday.
-
Adding value to food sector can be spark to economy
Officials from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Education and the USDA visited Pierpont Community & Technical College Wednesday as part of the Appalachian Foodways Tour.
-
County Department of Homeland Security debuts Facebook page
In today’s instant news world, information travels fast.
And, unfortunately, so does misinformation.
The Marion County Department of Homeland Security debuted its new Facebook page Wednesday to both alert the county on impending emergencies and dispel rumors about unfolding events. -
Big name in competitive eating arrives today
The biggest name in competitive eating arrives in Fairmont today.
In its third year, the annual Three Rivers Festival Pepperoni Roll Eating World Competition has attracted some major-league talent, including the famous Joey Chestnut, six-time consecutive winner of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. -
Adult & Community Education Center students mark milestone: PHOTOS
Students of the Marion County Adult & Community Education Center celebrated their completion of the General Education Development test at a graduation ceremony Tuesday evening at the Feaster Center on the campus of Fairmont State University.
-
Hearing set for murder suspects
The two men indicted in the 1974 triple Windmill Park murders will share a pretrial hearing on June 25.
According to records obtained at the Marion County Circuit Court, a hearing for Eddie Jack Washington and Phillip Reese Bush is set for 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in front of Circuit Judge Michael Aloi. -
Gravel, fuel spills cause traffic delays in county
Once again, drivers were forced to take a detour from Interstate 79.
This time, instead of near mile marker 139 northbound, it was at the southbound 136 mile marker near Pleasant Valley. -
Pierpont to move some classrooms, offices downtown
Pierpont Community & Technical College has announced its plan to move some of its classrooms and administrative offices from its shared campus with Fairmont State University to Veterans’ Square in downtown Fairmont.
- More Local News Headlines
-
