Education in West Virginia

With efforts underway to salvage education proposals from the abruptly halted special session, The Associated Press highlights statistics that "point to a need for changes to the state's public schools."

"The latest test scores and other figures from the National Center for Education Statistics suggest a struggling system," the article said.

The article notes that Gov. Joe Manchin's school-related proposals bogged down during the session amid objections by lawmakers to its pursuit of federal funds. "But Manchin's predecessor says the Legislature should focus on the changes promoted by the Obama administration through its offer of aid," the article said.

Now president of the Alliance for Excellent Education, former Gov. Bob Wise also told AP that "West Virginia is poised to wield unprecedented influence in this national debate."

"Manchin will become chairman of the National Governors Association in July," the article said. "State schools Superintendent Steve Paine is already president of the Council of Chief State School Officers. State school board member Lowell Johnson, meanwhile, presides over the National Association of State Boards of Education."

"The three groups leading the effort to bring change will be chaired by West Virginians," Wise told AP.