Executive Letter
Dear Friends,
The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy is excited to share with you a new survey on the state of education in West Virginia.
Produced in partnership with 50CAN and Edge Research, this survey provides unique insights into the critical areas of school quality, career readiness, and educational outcomes, especially compared to parents’ experiences across the country.
The survey is organized into five categories of learning that families tell us are crucial for them and their children: 1) school quality and opportunity, 2) tutoring, summer and mental health, 3) out-of-school activities, 4) information and engagement, and 5) college and career readiness. A total of 402 parents and guardians of school-aged children in our state were surveyed between July 8 and August 22, 2024, as part of a nationwide research effort that reached more than 20,000 respondents.
These results underscore the urgent need for action. Parents want choice in their school options, greater academic transparency, and an increased focus on accountability within our schools.
At the Cardinal Institute, we are committed to ensuring that all West Virginia students have access to high-quality education that prepares them for success in life. As we move forward, we invite parents, educators, and policymakers to join us in shaping a brighter future for our children.
Here is what parents told us:
*West Virginia families are dissatisfied and want better school options. Parents have expressed frustration with the limited school choices and the lack of tailored options for their children’s needs.
*Parents are more negative about the education system compared to national averages. Yet, they remain highly engaged and invested in seeking better outcomes for their children.
*There is a significant concern that West Virginia students are not prepared for college and the workforce. This gap in readiness places our students at a disadvantage and demands immediate attention from policymakers.
Over the following pages, you’ll find:
• The methodology of the survey and a key explaining how the results are presented.
• A two-page summary of the results for West Virginia.
• Visualizations of how West Virginia compares to the rest of the nation on important questions.
A digital copy of this report is available at cardinalinstitute.com. Visit our partners at 50can.org to view the nationwide report, the survey questionnaire, and the full data set.
Sincerely,
Garrett Ballengee
President and CEO
The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy