SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 78
(By Senators Plymale, Wells, Browning, Edgell, Foster, Green,
Laird, Stollings, Unger, White, Barnes, Boley and Guills)
[Originating in the Committee on Education]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
issue of improving student achievement in public education.
Whereas, the more recent history of federal education policy
has consistently been one of noble intentions and lack of follow
through; and
Whereas, Research has shown that federally-mandated standards
have been inconsistent, meaningless, and driven to the lowest
common denominator by a punishment-oriented system; and
Whereas, According to current federal law and the process
requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, public schools are
expected to produce positive results while the effects of other
social policies on the lives of poor children are reduced or
ignored; and
Whereas, The No Child Left Behind Act remains the dominant
federal education policy and a new administration is again
emphasizing process over results, ignoring the current problems
inherent in federal policy, and neglecting to account for the
diversity of student starting points and the level of resources available among the states; and
Whereas, Studies show that unique combinations of reform
elements can positively address the achievement needs of poor,
minority, and disadvantaged children; and
Whereas, Successful comprehensive state reform efforts have
used a mix of reform elements that best fit the individual state's
needs; and
Whereas, Federal lawmakers should not decide which reform
elements should be applied to individual states; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study actions to improve student achievement in public
education in and for the state; and be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendation, 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.