West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 126 - EducationWest Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 126 - Education
West Virginia Code of State Rules – Agency 126: Department of Education
Overview:
Agency 126 of the West Virginia Code of State Rules (CSR) contains the comprehensive body of rules issued by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). These rules regulate nearly every aspect of K-12 public education in the state, covering areas such as curriculum, assessment, personnel standards, school operations, accreditation, special education, and student rights.
These rules implement the provisions of West Virginia Code §18, which governs the state's public education system.
Key Areas Governed by Agency 126:
Curriculum & Instruction:
Establishes instructional content standards, graduation requirements, and curriculum policies for core and elective subjects.
Includes rules such as:
126-42-5 – West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards
126-44E – Policy 2510: Assuring the Quality of Education
Assessment & Accountability:
Rules for statewide assessments, student performance evaluations, and school accountability systems.
Implements federal mandates under ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act).
Personnel & Licensure:
Defines certification requirements for teachers, administrators, and support personnel.
Includes rules like:
126-136 – Policy 5202: Minimum Requirements for Licensure
Special Education:
Implements IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) provisions at the state level.
Covers IEPs, discipline, due process rights, and evaluations.
Student Rights & Conduct:
Rules for attendance, discipline, bullying prevention, and student privacy.
Example:
126-99 – Policy 4373: Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools
School Finance & Administration:
Regulations on school funding, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Covers transportation, nutrition programs, and facilities.
Charter and Innovation Schools:
Outlines regulations for public charter schools, innovation zones, and school flexibility provisions.
Accreditation & School Improvement:
Sets standards for school performance, accreditation criteria, and turnaround strategies for underperforming schools.
Examples of Important Rules in Agency 126:
| CSR Section | Policy Title |
|---|---|
| 126-42 | Policy 2520: Academic Content Standards |
| 126-44E | Policy 2510: Assuring the Quality of Education |
| 126-136 | Policy 5202: Licensure Requirements |
| 126-99 | Policy 4373: Student Behavior and Discipline |
| 126-172 | Policy 2419: Regulations for the Education of Students with Exceptionalities |
| 126-89 | Policy 2322: School Accreditation |
(Note: These are subject to revision. See the CSR or WVDE website for the latest.)
Legal Authority:
Rooted in West Virginia Code Chapter 18, especially Articles concerning:
State Board of Education (Article 2)
Public School Support (Article 9A)
Curriculum and Instruction (Article 2E)
Personnel (Article 4)
Purpose:
Agency 126 rules ensure that all students in West Virginia receive a high-quality, equitable education and that schools and educators are held to consistent and rigorous standards. These rules are regularly updated to reflect changes in law, policy, and educational best practices.
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