WV Among Top States for Learning Recovery Harvard-Stanford Study Finds

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education’s (WVBE) commitment to getting back to the basics in reading and math continues to produce results in students’ academic recovery. For a second consecutive year, the Harvard and Stanford University Education Scorecard has recognized these gains. According to the report, West Virginia ranks 6th in math and 8th in reading nationally for student learning growth. The report combines state test results of approximately 35 million students in Grades 3–8 and compares them with national assessment data.
 
Authors of the study report that recovery rates were most successful in states with comprehensive Science of Reading (SOR) reforms. West Virginia began the rollout of its Ready, Read, Write, West Virginia initiative in 2022 when the WVBE prioritized refocusing instruction and learning on foundational tools in reading and math. Implementing the SOR in early learning classrooms and renewing the focus on math with the Unite with Numeracy program has led to student gains sustained over several years. The State Legislature funded the effort fully in 2023 through landmark legislation known as the Third Grade Success Act.

This recognition in the Harvard/Stanford Education Scorecard for two consecutive years is evidence that working collaboratively with our county implementation teams, teachers and administrators is making a positive impact on our students’ progress.

State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt.

West Virginia was also recognized for its continued focus on chronic absenteeism (students missing 10% or more of a school year). The rate has fallen from 29% in 2022 to 23% in 2025. Reducing student absenteeism is among the priorities outlined in the report that will lead to meaningful gains more quickly.
 
“We are building networks of support throughout the state to ensure our administrators, educators and staff have access to the resources they need to increase student achievement,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “This recognition in the Harvard/Stanford Education Scorecard for two consecutive years is evidence that working collaboratively with our county implementation teams, teachers and administrators is making a positive impact on our students’ progress."
 
More information about the Education Scorecard is available on the Harvard University Center for Education Policy and Research website.

About the Education Scorecard

The Education Scorecard is a collaboration between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University, and faculty at Dartmouth College. It provides high-resolution, district-level data on academic recovery across the United States, combining state test results for roughly 35 million Grade 3–8 students with national assessment data.