Content Standards and Policies
The West Virginia Content Standards are critical blueprints that define the knowledge and skills students need to successfully transition into higher education and the workplace.
These standards ensure that every student develops:
- A clear understanding of potential career opportunities
- Insight into the educational pathways required for their chosen field
- A strategic plan for achieving their professional and academic goals
These standards ensure that educators:
- Deliver instruction aligned to clearly defined learning goals that support college and career readiness
- Guide students in connecting academic content to real-world applications and career pathways
- Use data-driven strategies and assessments to monitor progress and support individualized learning needs
Accessing Content Standards
Content standards are accessible through two channels: the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and the official State Board policy documents. Each channel has its own unique characteristics and benefits.
- Access Canvas Course
- View Policies
| Platform | Canvas LMS | State Board Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Description | This Canvas page organizes standards into subject areas, each providing an introduction to the standard and policy revision notices. | Policy 2510 and 2520's standards policies contain the official language of the content standards. |
| Sign-In | Requires a k12.wv.us email address | Public access |
| Format | Webpage with PDF (a combination of full text and image scans) | Word (full text) and PDF (image scans) |
| Website | Canvas Content Standards | Board of Education Policies |
Navigating the Standards
West Virginia's educational policies are organized to provide comprehensive guidance for educational standards and implementation. The policy numbering system, particularly policies 2510, Assuring Quality of Education: Regulations for Education Programs, and 2520's content standard subject-area sub-policies, represent a structured approach to defining educational expectations and standards.
Policy 2510: A Foundational Framework
Policy 2510 establishes the comprehensive framework for student learning and educational achievement.
This overarching policy establishes:
- Fundamental principles of student learning
- Broad educational objectives
- Guidelines for curriculum development
- Instructional strategy frameworks
Policy 2510 Resources
- Embedded Credit Guidance [PDF]
- WVBE Policy 2510 (Effective July 1, 2024) [DOC]
- WVBE Policy 2510 Guidance for Transcribing Grades [PDF]
- Policy 2510 Pre-K and Kindergarten (Early Learning Readiness) Guidance [PDF]
- Policy 2510 Grades One and Two (Early Learning Primary) Guidance [PDF]
- Policy 2510 Grades 3, 4, and 5 (Early Learning Intermediate) Guidance [PDF]
- Policy 2510 Foundations for High-Quality Developmentally Appropriate Middle School Programming (October 2024) [PDF]
- Policy 2510 Foundations for High-Quality High School Programming Best Practices (September 2025) [PDF]
(PEP) Personalized Education Plan
Each student in grades 8th-12 must have a personalized education plan. This plan is developed collaboratively between the student, their guardians, and their education team.
- WVBE PEP Requirements [PDF]: Learn what must be included in the PEP for each grade level.
- PEP Checklist [PDF]: Follow this process to ensure the PEP process is followed consistently.
Content Standards - Policy 2520 and Sub-Policies: Specialized Guidance
Policy 2520 and its sub-policies (identified by decimal extensions like 2520.4) offer subject-specific and grade-level standards. Each sub-policy represents a targeted approach to curriculum standards. For example:
- 2520.1A: English Language Arts
- 2520.2B: Mathematics
- 2520.4: Social Studies
Note: On the State Board policies directory webpage, 2520's sub-policies are organized within a "WVBE Content Standards Policies" section below "Article II: Educational Program Development".