The West Virginia Board of Education and the WVDE Office of Early Learning (Grades Pre-K through 5) are dedicated to the development of strong foundations for early learning for all West Virginia children. This foundation is dependent upon all West Virginia children reading on grade level by the end of 3rd Grade. A commitment to ensuring strong foundations requires a comprehensive approach to early learning programming based on research and developmentally appropriate practices that target strong relationships, engaging environments, standards, curriculum, assessment, and professional development. To ensure all of West Virginia’s children are provided opportunities to succeed and become lifelong learners, the Office of Early Learning is established to support and implement a Pre-K through 5th Grade system of support that will

  • Advance a unified commitment to excellence and equity in early childhood education and early learning, and
  • Establish strong foundations for early learning from school readiness through 5th grade.

Through these efforts, the following impacts are intended:

  • Close the literacy achievement gap by 3rd grade;
  • Increase the high school graduation rate; and
  • Ensure all children are on target to achieve college and career readiness.

The WVDE Advisory Committee on a Comprehensive Approach to Early Learning is committed to closing the literacy achievement gap and to the development of a cohesive system of early childhood education based on research and best practices. Through a collaborative, intentionally-designed, and well-implemented Pre-K-5th grade approach, not only will closing the literacy achievement gap by 3rd Grade be possible, but West Virginia children will be better prepared for school and set on a course for college and career readiness. The WVDE Advisory Committee on a Comprehensive Approach to Early Learning guides the Office of Early Learning’s broadened Pre-k – 5th Grade work through four targeted work groups – School Readiness, Third Grade Literacy Proficiency, Standards and Support, and Workforce Development. Team leaders comprise the Committee’s Executive Council, and meet quarterly. Team leaders work collaboratively with state, local, and national stakeholders to establish comprehensive work plans to meet the goals of the WVDE Office of Early Learning P-5 Logic Model.

2020 Logic Model