February 3, 2007

We don’t always think about it this way, but the state’s economy and its educational system are interrelated. Economic development and job creation are dependent upon a good educational system that provides trained workers, and without good jobs and a stable economy, our graduates cannot stay in our state. Our educational system needs the support and input of our business community.

With that concept in mind, West Virginia last year became the second state in the nation to join the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, an organization that places a special emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, global awareness and business literacy.

Gov. Joe Manchin, members of the state Board of Education, state legislators, educators and other community members signed a statement of support indicating their commitment to those educational goals, considered "21st century learning."

Then Gov. Manchin and First Lady Gayle Manchin appointed the members of the 21st Century Jobs Cabinet of West Virginia. The Cabinet is comprised of 27 people representing business, industry and labor interests, state policy makers, and educators. Their charge is to better facilitate a "seamless" educational system that supports the state’s efforts to create jobs and promote economic development.

And the Legislature understands the importance of this effort. In the recently approved state budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the Legislature allocated $6.5 million to the Department of Education’s budget for the initial development cost for the establishment of a 21st Century comprehensive assessment program and the implementation of 21st Instruction and Learning in all classes.

This comprehensive professional development program will assists counties in developing teacher leaders in each county who can provide support and ensure implementation of new content standards, objectives, classroom assessment and integrated technology skills and tools.

Already, the 21st Century Jobs Cabinet has hosted a public forum in Charleston to bring together business and community leaders from across the state with state officials and national experts to discuss how to achieve their goal.

Also as part of the movement, the state Department of Education established a National Technology Team, which will give West Virginia educators advice and counsel as they develop a new statewide assessment that can measure how students use technology, their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and other higher level thinking skills.

According to the Department of Education, the current generation of 18- to 38-year-olds will likely work an average of 10 jobs in their lifetime, compared to one or two jobs that their parents and grandparents held. As educators nationwide consider ways to address the need for 21st century learning, many are looking to West Virginia as a model.

I welcome and appreciate your input on these or any other legislative issues. Write to House Majority Leader Joe DeLong, Building 1, Room 228-M, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, 25305, or joe@joedelong.com, or call 304-340-3220.