HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 99

(By Delegates Campbell, Williams, Louisos, Paxton, and Wells)



(Originating in the Committee on Education)


(April 7, 2005)


Recommending that West Virginia's National representatives research methods for securing waivers that would help the state better tailor No Child Left Behind for West Virginia students.

Whereas, Education has traditionally been a state role and responsibility; and
Whereas, No two states are identical and no two students are identical; and,
Whereas, Some parts of NCLB are difficult for local boards to implement; and,
Whereas, If they fail to implement these programs they will fall out of compliance with NCLB; and,
Whereas, Extra pressure may be placed upon students due to the standardized tests and the impact the scores have on the schools and the students; and, Whereas, West Virginia would require additional funding in order to accomplish its requirements; and
Whereas, Some County Superintendents have expressed frustration in trying to comply with regulations that they feel are unattainable; and, Whereas, NCLB has good intentions and every child should be given the opportunity to learn at a high level; and Whereas, NCLB would be more successful in West Virginia if it were better tailored to the state; and,
Whereas, The state needs the ability to be innovative in its approach to education; and Whereas, NCLB has caused the focus to be more on what is not possible for the state to do instead of focusing on making the system better; and Whereas, West Virginia is accountable for results and compliance, but does not have the flexibility it needs to attain it; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
For these reasons, the Legislature hereby requests that West Virginia's national representatives research methods for securing waivers that would help the State better tailor NCLB to West Virginia's needs and increase the State's chance of success; and,
Further resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia's national representatives.