Hancock Schools implementing new policy aimed at third grade success
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The Hancock County Board of Education is set to implement a new policy in an effort to officially meet requirements under a 2023 state law.
The policy, which implements a documented policy under the Third Grade Success Act, is available for a 30-day public comment period, according to school officials.
"It's on our website," Superintendent Walter Saunders announced during Monday's school board meeting.
Any comments on the policy, according to the Hancock County Schools website, should be addressed to: Office of the Superintendent, P.O. Box 1300, New Cumberland, WV 26047.
According to the draft document, "This policy applies to grades K-3 and pertains specifically to third grade promotion/retention decisions beginning in the 2026-27 school year, as required by state law and guidance."
It establishes procedures for reading and math assessments in those grade levels to be administered within the first 30 days of the school year, as well as at midyear and end-of-year intervals. The assessments will be used to identify students demonstrating deficiencies and requiring targeted support.
Individual improvement plans are to be developed for any student showing deficiencies to "specify interventions, frequency, progress monitoring schedule, and involved staff."
Parents or guardians of those students are to be notified in writing within 15 school days and will be involved in programs designed to assist the student.
In addition, Hancock County Schools will continue to use a tiered system of support for academics, behavior and attendance.
Third grade students who score "does not meet standard" on either English/language arts or math, or both, on the West Virginia General Summative Assessment may be retained, with a recommendation made by the classroom teacher and Student Assistance Team on "whether retention is appropriate based on the student's mastery of content and readiness for the next grade level.
"Retention decisions must carefully weigh whether promotion would result in the student being unprepared for fourth grade."
Exceptions can be made in certain circumstances, including students with disabilities whose Individualized Education Program indicates participation in an alternate assessment; English language learners with fewer than three years of instruction; students with disabilities who have received more than two years of intervention or have been previously retained; students undergoing a special education referral or evaluation or with a diagnosed impairment; students with two or more years of intervention and prior retention; students demonstrating acceptable performance on alternative standardized assessments; or students attending an extended-year program who attain proficiency on re-testing.
The policy also establishes requirements for extended-day or extended-year programs for students subject to retention, documentation requirements and training requirements for all educators in kindergarten through third grade. The training is to include "science of reading, math instruction, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and interventions."
If state code -- in this case, West Virginia Code 18-2E-10 -- is updated, those changes would be reflected in the policy.