Bill > SB409

This bill, titled the High School Educator Flexibility Act of 2026, aims to address educational needs in rural communities by allowing certified educators to teach "high-quality courses" outside their usual subject endorsements. A "high-quality course" is defined as one developed with colleges or employers, leading to college credit or employer credentials, and including a national exam. To teach such a course, educators must complete "approved professional learning," which involves at least 30 hours of training from an "approved provider"—a U.S.-based non-profit that vets its instructors and offers curriculum frameworks. Upon completing this training, educators receive a certificate, and local school districts are authorized to assign them to teach these specialized courses, even if they don't have a formal endorsement for that specific subject. The bill also ensures that instructors holding these new course-specific permits are recognized for career and technical education funding purposes, preventing any reduction in funding for districts offering these courses.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=409&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill