WEST virginia legislature

2023 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

House Bill 3035

By Delegates Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker) and Skaff

(By Request of the Executive)

[Originating in the Committee on Finance;
February 24, 2023]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-2E-13, relating to establishing the Grow Your Own West Virginia Pathway to Teaching Program; and requiring West Virginia Board of Education to promulgate rules to govern the program and grant funds.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 2E. HIGH QUALITY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.

§18-2E-13. Grow Your Own West Virginia Pathway to Teaching Pilot Program.

(a) Definitions. – As used in this section, unless used in a context that clearly requires a different meaning, the term:

"Applicant" means a county school district or a public charter school, established in accordance with the provisions of § 18-5G-1 et. seq. of this code, acting in partnership with an eligible institution;

"Candidate" means a student enrolled in a public school or post-secondary institution of higher learning in West Virginia; and

"Eligible institution" means a state institution of higher education as that term is defined in §18B-1-2 of this code.

(b) Grow Your Own West Virginia Pathway to Teaching Pilot Program established. – In conjunction with the state board and under the supervision of the Department of Education, the state superintendent shall establish a three-year pilot program whereby applicants shall facilitate a career path for candidates to pursue a career in education with progression from high school to postsecondary degree with classroom experience and employment. Program opportunities include, but are not limited to:

(1) Dual credit pathways that allow a candidate to obtain his or her education degree after 3 years at an eligible institution;

(2) Apprenticeship opportunities through the United Sates Department of Labor that provide a candidate paid field experience;

(3) Residency as the teacher of record during the candidate's last year at an eligible institution; and

(4) Preferential hiring status.

(c) Funding. – From appropriations to the department for the purposes of implementing and administering the program, the department shall award funds to applicants from such appropriations in accordance with the program rules established pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Rulemaking. – The state board shall promulgate legislative rules pursuant to §29A-3B-1 et seq. of this code to implement the provisions of this section.

(e) Annual reports. – By December 1, 2024, and annually thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the state superintendent shall report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability on:

(1) The number of students participating in the program;

(2) The number and type of credits and certifications or credentials earned by students who have participated in the program;

(3) The dollar amount expended associated with the program;

(4) Projected growth in the program and funding needs for the next year;

(5) The job status of students who have participated in the program;

(6) Any issues with the program reported by students, parents, and applicants; how these issues are being addressed; and whether the issues require legislative action; and

(7) A recommendation from the state superintendent on whether the program should continue beyond its three-year pilot period.