(Education & workforce)

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 155

(By Delegates M. Poling, Stowers, Barill, Campbell, Fragale, Lawrence, Perry, Pethtel, Tomblin, Walker, Westfall, Williams, Young, Pasdon, Ambler, Butler, Cooper, Espinosa, Evans, Hamrick, Raines Rowan and Sumner )

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

(April 11, 2013)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on better connecting the education system to workforce and career futures, improving career and technical education and making West Virginia a leader in remote technology and distance learning.

    Whereas, Among the education delivery improvements addressed by the Education Efficiency Audit of West Virginia’s Primary and Secondary Education System conducted by Public Works, LLC, are thirteen recommendations for better connecting the education system to workforce and career futures, including the areas of strengthening state-level coordination and planning, expanding high school options and strengthening PK-12/higher education articulation; and

    Whereas, Among the education delivery improvements addressed by the Education Efficiency Audit of West Virginia’s Primary and Secondary Education System conducted by Public Works, LLC, are fifteen recommendations related to making West Virginia a leader in remote technology and distance learning, including the areas of on-line access, on-line content, on-line instruction and teacher training; and

    Whereas, In a letter to the State Board, the Governor asks them to pursue cross-counseling between public education and career and technical colleges to help students understand and prepare for career options, to require every career center to adopt or develop at least one career pathway meets the SREB quality standards for Preparation for Tomorrow, and to investigate Project 24 and advise him how the State can take advantage of this planning approach; and

    Whereas, Success in each of these areas is critical to the development of West Virginia’s workforce and economic growth; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on better connecting the education system to workforce and career futures, improving career and technical education and making West Virginia a leader in remote technology and distance learning; and be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.