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By Adam Beam and John Raby
The Associated Press
PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- When it opened in 1990 amid boom times deep in eastern Kentucky coal country, Shelby Valley High School had nearly 1,000 students, with enough demand that it built an addition the next year. Now the mines are closing, and the school big enough for 1,200 students sits at half capacity.
When the families leave, Principal Greg Napier asks them why. "Gotta have a job," they say.
Kentucky's public school...
By Dave Wilkinson
For The Charleston Gazette
I recently read in the Gazette about the school system’s plan to evaluate teachers based on their students’ test scores. My initial reaction was, “Why shouldn’t we do that?” After thinking about it, I decided this isn’t a fair evaluation. I’m very interested in the plight of our teachers because I think they often get a “bum rap.” I’m not a teacher, but my daughter has been a third-grade teacher in Texas for 12 years. I’ve personally...
By The Associated Press
WAYNE, W.Va. — West Virginia is kicking off a $300,000 advertising push to promote education beyond high school.
Gov. Earl Tomblin announced the initiative at Wayne High School on Wednesday.
The My State, My Life campaign will focus on television, radio, movie theaters, print distribution and social media.
The campaign targets middle- and high-school students. Its messaging stresses that students can build dream careers in West Virginia,...
By Mackenzie Mays
The Charleston Gazette
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded West Virginia $21 million to help prepare students for college and the workforce.
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant will support college planning and readiness services across 10 counties in the state, serving 17,000 students over the next several years, according to the state Higher Education Policy Commission.
The GEAR UP...
By Samuel Speciale
Charleston Daily Mail Staff
It has only been a week since Michael Martirano became state superintendent, but the schools chief already has his sights set on improving student achievement in West Virginia.
In a Daily Mail editorial board meeting Friday, Martirano said he wants to see drastic improvements, but acknowledges that change doesn’t happen overnight.
“I’ve always said it’s a journey, not a sprint,” he said. “But we have to think with the...