SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 42

(By Senators Plymale, Unger, Foster and McCabe)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study vocational, technical and adult education in West Virginia.

Whereas, Career preparation opportunities afforded citizens of West Virginia through public schools and post-secondary education programs are vital to assure a high-quality workforce and to promote economic development; and
Whereas, Quality career and technical education is paramount in assuring that West Virginians are equipped with the necessary skill sets to succeed in the 21st century workplace; and
Whereas, The career and technical education curriculum must be designed and delivered in a manner that assures a seamless and cost-effective transition between public schools and post-secondary education, as exemplified through the Earn a Degree - Graduate Early (EDGE) initiative; and
Whereas, Multiple issues are involved in delivering high- quality vocational, technical and adult education which intersect with both K-12 and post-secondary education programs, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of current offerings and programs in terms of participation, credentialing and placement rates;
(2) Determining if offerings and programs are appropriately aligned with current and emerging workforce needs and industry standards; and
(3) Assuring that policies and structures are in place to provide a seamless curriculum to produce an effective and efficient transition for students from K-12 to post-secondary education or the workplace; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study vocational, technical and adult education in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, 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 to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.