MADISON - Gov. Joe Manchin said public educators need to collaborate more with business, higher education, parents and others to help West Virginia students better compete in a global workforce. 

On a recent trip to China, Manchin recognized the country is wired with Internet access and other technology. China's fast development surprises Manchin.

"If they can catch up that quick, then what challenges do we have to compete?" Manchin told state Board of Education members during a meeting Thursday at Scott High School in Boone County. "They've leapfrogged generations."

Manchin said he's recognized the need to diversify West Virginia's economy. He said initiatives such as "Bucks for Brains" are important. The program will match $50 million in state dollars with funds dedicated to research at West Virginia University and Marshall University.

He also wants more focus on a global workforce. He hopes to send more students to college and help others master a trade. He also didn't apologize for his push to keep more graduates in West Virginia. His controversial Promise scholarship proposal, which sought to keep recipients in the state for some time after college, failed to pass the Legislature this year.             

He asked that state board members heed the advice of West Virginia students.

"If you want to know what's going on in education, ask them," he said, pointing to Scott High students in the crowd. "Are we willing to make some of the changes they are recommending?" 

State schools Superintendent Steve Paine said the board has already agreed to raise curriculum standards to compete globally. Now, the challenge is to make sure classroom teachers are ready to teach new skills, he said.     

State board member Barbara Fish asked Manchin about opening up the school calendar to allow more time for instruction.

Manchin is wary of a new state mandate. Instead, he said educators in one or two counties might try an expanded calendar to see how it works.

MADISON - Gov. Joe Manchin said public educators need to collaborate more with business, higher education, parents and others to help West Virginia students better compete in a global workforce. 

On a recent trip to China, Manchin recognized the country is wired with Internet access and other technology. China's fast development surprises Manchin.

"If they can catch up that quick, then what challenges do we have to compete?" Manchin told state Board of Education members during a meeting Thursday at Scott High School in Boone County. "They've leapfrogged generations."

Manchin said he's recognized the need to diversify West Virginia's economy. He said initiatives such as "Bucks for Brains" are important. The program will match $50 million in state dollars with funds dedicated to research at West Virginia University and Marshall University.

He also wants more focus on a global workforce. He hopes to send more students to college and help others master a trade. He also didn't apologize for his push to keep more graduates in West Virginia. His controversial Promise scholarship proposal, which sought to keep recipients in the state for some time after college, failed to pass the Legislature this year.             

He asked that state board members heed the advice of West Virginia students.

"If you want to know what's going on in education, ask them," he said, pointing to Scott High students in the crowd. "Are we willing to make some of the changes they are recommending?" 

State schools Superintendent Steve Paine said the board has already agreed to raise curriculum standards to compete globally. Now, the challenge is to make sure classroom teachers are ready to teach new skills, he said.     

State board member Barbara Fish asked Manchin about opening up the school calendar to allow more time for instruction.

Manchin is wary of a new state mandate. Instead, he said educators in one or two counties might try an expanded calendar to see how it works.

Also Thursday, state board members approved a weighted grade policy by a 6-2 vote. It requires weighted grades in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes offered to all high school students.

Barbara Fish and Ron Spencer voted against the policy. Burma Hatfield was absent. Fish said counties deserve more say over weighted grades. Spencer wants students who take AP classes to take the exams, as well.

Spencer said he would question the value or difficulty or some counties' AP courses if students and teachers know there's no exam at the end.    

"Students who complete AP courses are much more likely to be successful in college, even if they do not complete the AP exam," said Jorea Marple, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instructional services.

A passing grade on an Advanced Placement exam is worth college credit.  

State education officials received nearly 50 comments on the policy. McDowell County Superintendent Suzette Cook called it a great idea. One teacher, Demaina Sue Beller from Whitesville, disagrees.                 

"If the state wants [everybody] on the same level then grades must be the same," Beller wrote.

Some teachers say the state should go back to a 90-100 percent grading scale for an 'A' and a 80-89 scale for a 'B,' and so on. In non-weighted high school courses, an 'A' grade today is earned with a 93 percent or better.   

To contact staff writer Davin White, use e-mail or call 348-1254.