US education chief praises early learning program in W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The U.S. secretary of education has called West Virginia’s early learning program a good model for the country.

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. praised the state for its commitment to early education during an event at the West Virginia Department of Education’s headquarters Thursday, the Charleston Gazette-Mail (https://bit.ly/2eA2yRj) reported.

King lauded West Virginia’s pre-K participation rate, the state’s focus on transitions from pre-K to kindergarten, and its commitment to early science, technology, engineering and math education.

“Certainly, I’m inspired by West Virginia’s longstanding commitment to early learning, through five governors, leadership from the Legislature, leadership from the state board, leadership from the education department, leadership from the health and human services community,” King said. “That, I think, is a model for the country.”

West Virginia public schools offer free pre-K to all 4-year-olds and 3-year-olds with special needs.

King used his visit to announce the U.S. Department of Education’s new guidance that explains how states can use federal dollars for early learning under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

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Information from: The Charleston Gazette-Mail, https://wvgazettemail.com.